Same Day Emergency Eye Care: What You Need to Know

Eye emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and knowing how to respond is crucial for the health of your eyes. The first step is to stay calm — a clear mind is essential for handling the situation effectively and keeping those around you composed.

Do not try to assess the severity of an eye injury on your own. Always reach out to an eye care professional for guidance. Many eye emergencies don’t require a visit to the emergency room; in fact, most urgent eye issues can be effectively managed by an optometrist.

However, trust your instincts — if you believe the situation is critical, do not hesitate to seek emergency room care immediately.

Identifying an Eye Emergency

An eye emergency includes any situation that poses a risk of permanent damage to your vision. Common examples include:

• Eye infections

• Foreign objects in the eye

• Eye trauma

• Scratches on the eye

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

• Lost contact lens in the eye

• Shattered eyeglass lenses

• Sudden appearance of flashes or floaters

While mild conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye) may not require emergency treatment, it’s still important to consult an eye doctor promptly for diagnosis and care.

Symptoms That Demand Immediate Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden loss of vision

• Sudden onset of double vision

• Severe eye pain

• New flashes of light or floaters

• Foreign body sensation in the eye

• Chemical exposure

• Swelling or pain following eye surgery

How to Handle Common Eye Emergencies

If a foreign object enters your eye, it must be removed promptly to prevent damage or infection. Avoid trying to remove it yourself if you are unsure of the proper method. Seek urgent eye care if flushing with clean water or saline doesn’t help, or if there is any bleeding, discharge, or suspicion of penetration.

Steps to Take During an Eye Emergency

Until you can see your eye doctor or get urgent care:

• Do not apply pressure or rub an injured eye.

• Avoid removing a foreign object on your own.

• Do not use dry cotton or sharp tools on the eye.

• Do not attempt to remove an embedded object.

• Contact your eye care provider immediately for an emergency appointment.

If in doubt, err on the side of caution — delaying treatment can lead to serious complications and potential vision loss.