How to Identify Common Eye Emergencies and How to React

Your eyes are delicate and vital to your daily life, which means that sudden changes or injuries should never be ignored. While some eye issues may seem minor at first, delaying care could lead to long-term damage or even permanent vision loss. Knowing how to identify common eye emergencies and how to respond can help protect your vision.
 

What Is Considered an Eye Emergency?

Eye emergencies are situations where immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent permanent damage. These conditions often come on suddenly and may involve injury, pain, or sudden vision changes.
 

Common Eye Emergencies Include:

• Sudden vision loss - Losing vision in one or both eyes can signal serious conditions such as retinal detachment or stroke.
• Severe eye pain or headache - Especially when accompanied by nausea, halos, or blurred vision, this can be a sign of acute glaucoma.
• Eye injury or trauma - Blunt force trauma, chemical exposure, or sharp objects in the eye require urgent evaluation.
• Foreign object in the eye - If something becomes lodged in the eye and cannot be flushed out with clean water, it must be addressed quickly.
• Flashes and floaters - A sudden increase in flashes of light or new floaters could indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
• Red or swollen eye with discharge - Severe infections such as corneal ulcers can develop rapidly and must be treated immediately.

How to React in an Eye Emergency

If you suspect an eye emergency, follow these steps:

• Do not rub your eye. This can worsen irritation or injuries.
• Flush the eye if exposed to chemicals. Use clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
• Protect the eye. Use a clean shield or cover without applying pressure.
• Avoid self-treatment. Do not try to remove embedded objects or use over-the-counter drops without guidance.
• Seek immediate care. Call our office right away so an optometrist can evaluate your eye and determine the next steps.

How Our Optometrist Can Help

At Eyecare Associates Optometric Group, our optometrists are trained to diagnose and manage eye emergencies. We can provide urgent care for sudden injuries, infections, or vision changes. With advanced diagnostic technology and compassionate expertise, we will assess your condition quickly and recommend the best treatment to protect your vision. Whether it’s removing a foreign object, treating a corneal abrasion, or referring you for specialized care, our team is here to provide the immediate attention you need.
 

We’re Here When You Need Urgent Eye Care

Eye emergencies should never be ignored. Recognizing the warning signs and responding quickly can make all the difference in preserving your eyesight. If you ever experience sudden pain, vision changes, or injury to your eye, get help right away.
 

If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, contact Eyecare Associates Optometric Group immediately for urgent eye care. Visit our office in Azusa, California, or call (626) 804-3266 for further guidance.