When to Seek Help: Understanding What Constitutes an Eye Emergency

Eye health is something many of us take for granted - until something goes wrong. While minor irritations such as mild dryness or temporary blurry vision may resolve on their own, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Knowing what constitutes an eye emergency can make all the difference in preserving your vision and preventing long-term damage.

What Is an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency is any sudden or severe problem involving your eyes or vision that requires urgent care from an optometrist or other eye care professional. These situations can be caused by injury, infection, or sudden changes in eye function. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of permanent vision loss.

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can occur in many ways and often require immediate care. Foreign objects such as dirt, metal, or glass may become lodged in the eye, causing irritation or damage. Chemical exposure from cleaning products, paint, or industrial materials can burn or scar delicate eye tissues. Blunt trauma from sports, accidents, or falls can also harm the eye, leading to pain, swelling, or even vision loss.
 

Sudden Vision Changes

Any sudden change in your vision should be treated seriously. Flashes of light or new floaters may be a sign of retinal detachment, a condition that needs urgent attention. A sudden loss of vision could indicate a stroke of the eye or another severe medical issue. Experiencing double vision can also be a warning sign of underlying neurological problems.
 

Severe Eye Pain or Redness

While occasional mild irritation is common, intense eye pain is not normal and can indicate conditions such as infections, glaucoma, or corneal abrasions. Similarly, significant redness accompanied by discharge may point to serious infections like bacterial keratitis, which requires prompt treatment.

Eye Infections

Infections of the eye can progress quickly and should never be ignored. Warning signs include rapidly spreading redness and swelling, thick discharge or pus, and increased sensitivity to light along with blurred vision. These symptoms go beyond common pink eye and should be treated as urgent.

Sudden Light Sensitivity

Extreme sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, can be a symptom of eye inflammation, corneal ulcers, or severe infections. If light suddenly becomes painful or unbearable, it is important to seek immediate care.
 

What to Do in an Eye Emergency

• Do not rub your eyes as this can worsen the damage.

• Remove contact lenses if possible.

• Flush with clean water only if chemicals are involved.

• Seek immediate medical attention from our optometrist.

Many eye emergencies can be treated successfully if caught early. Delays in care can lead to irreversible damage, including vision loss. Immediate evaluation by an eye doctor ensures you receive the right treatment quickly.

Trust Burbank Family Optometry With Your Eye Health

Your eyes are too important to ignore warning signs. If you ever experience sudden vision changes, eye pain, or trauma, don’t wait to see if it improves. Prompt action can protect your sight and overall health.
 

If you are experiencing an eye emergency, contact Burbank Family Optometry right away for immediate care. Visit our office in Burbank, California, or call (747) 323-4500 for further guidance.