When Is an Eye Problem an Emergency?
When Is an Eye Problem a true Emergency? Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Many eye problems are not emergencies, but some symptoms require prompt medical attention to protect your vision and eye health.
Knowing when an eye problem needs urgent evaluation can help you get the right care at the right time.
Signs You Should Seek Urgent Eye Care
Sudden Vision Loss or a Significant Change in Vision
A sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes should be evaluated immediately. Do not wait to see if your vision improves on its own.
New Flashes or a Sudden Increase in Floaters
Floaters may appear as small spots, lines, cobwebs, or shapes that move across your vision. While some floaters are related to normal changes inside the eye, a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain appearing in your vision can be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment.
These symptoms require prompt evaluation because some retinal problems can threaten vision if not treated quickly.
If you're experiencing new or sudden floaters, learn more about when eye floaters should be evaluated.
Significant or Sudden Eye Pain
Severe, sudden, or unexplained eye pain should not be ignored, particularly when it occurs with redness, light sensitivity, nausea, or changes in vision.
A Red, Painful Eye
Not all red eyes are the same. Mild redness may result from irritation, dryness, or allergies, but a red eye accompanied by significant pain, light sensitivity, discharge, or decreased vision may require urgent evaluation.
An Eye Injury
Seek prompt medical attention after an eye injury, especially if something has struck the eye at high speed or if the eye has been cut or punctured.
If a chemical gets into your eye, rinse the eye through clean running water immediately for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
Something Is Stuck in Your Eye
If you can’t easily remove a foreign object by gently rinsing your eye, do not try to scrape or pull it out. An eye care professional can determine whether the surface of the eye has been injured.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
Some eye problems require more than an office visit. Seek emergency medical attention for situations such as:
A serious or penetrating eye injury
Significant chemical exposure
Sudden, severe vision loss
Severe eye pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting
An eye problem associated with a serious head or facial injury
If you are unsure whether your symptoms require emergency medical attention, it is safer to seek prompt professional guidance rather than waiting for the problem to resolve.
What If My Eye Problem Isn't an Emergency?
Many eye concerns are urgent but may not require the ER. Persistent redness, irritation, discharge, contact lens discomfort, or a concerning change in your eyes may still need prompt evaluation.
An eye care professional can determine whether you need same-day or timely evaluation and whether additional medical care is necessary.
At Iris Eyecare, we provide urgent eye care for a variety of eye concerns and can help determine the appropriate next step.
Don't Ignore Sudden Changes in Your Eyes
Your eyes can sometimes develop problems that need to be addressed quickly. Sudden vision changes, new flashes or floaters, significant eye pain, a painful red eye, or an eye injury should not be ignored.
If you are experiencing a new or concerning eye problem, contact Iris Eyecare to find out whether you should be seen promptly.