Your eyes are incredibly important, and when something feels off, it’s natural to worry. But how do you know when an eye issue is a true emergency? Some problems can wait for a regular eye exam, while others need urgent care to prevent lasting damage.
At Dr. C. Vision Care, we provide urgent eye care in Pensacola, Florida, for a wide range of eye emergencies. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to schedule an eye exam or come in right away.
Signs you need emergency eye care
Some eye problems can lead to serious complications if they aren’t treated quickly. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait—get help as soon as possible.
1. Sudden vision changes
If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or distorted or you lose vision in one or both eyes, it could be a sign of something serious, such as a retinal detachment or stroke. This isn’t something to wait out—call us right away.
2. Eye trauma or injury
Blunt force trauma, a direct blow to the eye, or a penetrating injury can cause severe damage. If you experience eye pain, swelling, or bleeding after an injury, it’s best to see an emergency eye doctor.
3. Severe eye pain or redness
A little eye irritation is one thing, but if you have intense pain, redness, and light sensitivity, it could be a sign of an infection, corneal ulcer, or even acute glaucoma. These conditions need prompt treatment to prevent long-term problems.
4. Foreign objects in the eye
If you have something lodged in your eye, such as metal, glass, or anything that won’t rinse out, don’t try to remove it yourself. Attempting to do so could cause further damage. An emergency eye doctor can safely remove the object and prevent complications.
5. Chemical exposure or burns
If chemicals splash into your eye, immediately flush it with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek emergency care. Chemical burns can cause lasting damage if not treated quickly.
6. Sudden increase in floaters or flashes
A sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light or a dark curtain over part of your vision could be signs of a retinal detachment, which requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
7. Eye infections with discharge or swelling
If you experience excessive discharge, swelling, or crusting around your eyes, it could indicate a severe eye infection that needs urgent care, especially if accompanied by vision changes or pain.
What to do during an eye emergency
Many people panic when they experience an emergency situation, but it is important to stay as calm as possible. Acting quickly could potentially save your vision. Here are some steps to follow in an eye emergency:
- Don’t rub or apply pressure to your eye. This can worsen an injury or irritation.
- Flush your eye with clean water if exposed to chemicals and seek immediate medical attention.
- Avoid self-treatment. Over-the-counter eye drops or home remedies can sometimes make the condition worse.
- Seek professional care immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and protect your vision.
Visit Dr. C. Vision Care for urgent care
At Dr. C. Vision Care, our experienced Pensacola emergency eye doctors are ready to provide expert care for a variety of urgent eye conditions. Call us at 850-299-8056 or visit our clinic during business hours for urgent eye care.
Not sure if it’s an emergency? Give us a call, and we’ll help you figure out the best next steps. Your vision is too important to take chances with!