Eye emergencies can feel overwhelming, and they often don’t limit themselves to regular business hours and convenient moments. That’s why knowing where to go and who to call can make all the difference in protecting your sight.
Here’s the good news: your local optometrist may be the right first stop. Many eye care clinics are equipped to handle urgent eye issues, and they often have same-day appointments available. Better still, you may be able to avoid the long wait times, high costs, and general unpredictability of the emergency room.
Need help fast? Find a Total Vision location near you and give us a call. We’ll help you determine your next steps, whether that means a visit to the emergency room, an in-office treatment, or a referral.
What Is an Eye Emergency?
An eye emergency is any sudden or severe problem affecting your eyes or vision that requires prompt attention. Not every eye issue is urgent, but some definitely can be.
Here are a few signs that you should reach out to your optometrist right away:
Sudden Vision Loss
Any rapid or unexplained change in your vision is considered an emergency. Whether your vision loss is total, partial, or just in one eye, this could be a sign of a serious condition such as retinal detachment, optic neuritis, or even a stroke.
Vision doesn’t usually change overnight without a reason, so if it does, don’t ignore it.
Eye Injuries
Got poked in the eye with a stick? Splash of cleaning chemicals in your face? Something small and sharp stuck under your eyelid? Injuries like these should always be assessed quickly to reduce the risk of permanent damage or infection.
Even if the eye doesn’t look “that bad,” internal trauma or scratches can still pose a threat. If you’ve sustained an injury near or to your eye, call your optometrist immediately.
Severe Eye Pain
Discomfort is one thing. But if you’re feeling persistent, sharp, or intense eye pain, something more serious could be going on, like acute angle-closure glaucoma, a corneal abrasion, or uveitis.
These conditions need fast diagnosis and treatment to protect your vision. Pain is your body’s signal that something’s wrong, so don’t ignore it.
Flashes of Light & New Floaters
Seeing flashes of light, shadows, or a sudden increase in floaters (those drifting shapes in your vision) can be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. If you notice these symptoms, seek care right away.
Retinal issues are time-sensitive so prompt treatment can make the difference between full recovery and permanent vision loss.
Redness, Swelling, or Discharge
Some infections, like pink eye (conjunctivitis), can be minor and treatable. Others can be more serious, especially if they come with swelling, light sensitivity, or yellow/green discharge.
If your eyes are red, painful, or producing unusual discharge, it’s smart to have them checked by your optometrist. You’ll get peace of mind, and possibly treatment that brings relief much faster.
Why Your Optometrist Should Be Your First Call
Most people think of their optometrist as the person who updates their glasses prescription once a year. But the reality is they do much more than that.
Your optometrist is your primary eye care provider, which means they’re trained and equipped to diagnose and manage a wide range of urgent eye conditions. They have specialized equipment, direct access to your eye health history, and the experience to know when something is a true emergency and what to do about it.
In many cases, your optometrist can treat the issue right then and there. In others, they can quickly refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in complex eye conditions) for further care.
When the Emergency Room Makes Sense
There are situations where the emergency room really is the right option, especially if:
- You have a severe injury involving head trauma
- You’re experiencing vision changes along with neurological symptoms (like trouble speaking or loss of balance)
- Your optometrist’s office is closed and your symptoms are worsening
- You suspect a broken orbital bone or an object is penetrating your eye.
If your symptoms are life-threatening or involve more than just your eyes, don’t wait—go directly to the ER.
Still, for the majority of eye-specific emergencies, an optometrist can often offer faster and more targeted care.
How Regular Eye Exams Can Help Prevent Emergencies
Eye emergencies don’t often happen out of nowhere. Rather, they develop slowly and go unnoticed until, one day, symptoms show up all at once.
Regular comprehensive eye exams help catch these issues early, often before you feel anything at all. Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal thinning may not cause symptoms until they’re already advanced.
Your optometrist uses your annual exam to look for warning signs, track changes in your eyes, and intervene early if something seems off. These exams are about more than just your prescription; they’re a tool for protecting your long-term vision.
When to Call (Even If It’s Not an Emergency)
Not every vision concern is a red alert, but that doesn’t mean you should brush it off. Reach out to your optometrist if you experience:
- Gradual vision changes (like increasing blurriness or trouble seeing at night)
- Frequent headaches after reading or screen time
- Eye strain, fatigue, or double vision
- Unusual sensitivity to light
- A family history of serious eye conditions
Catching potential issues early keeps treatment simple and can help prevent emergencies down the road.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Guess with Your Eyes
If you’re unsure whether something is an emergency, don’t sit and wait for it to go away. Call your optometrist and describe what you’re experiencing. We’ll let you know whether you need to come in right away, schedule an appointment soon, or head to the ER.
Your eyes are too important to gamble with.
Need to know where to go? Find a Total Vision location near you, just in case your eyes need backup later.
