Common Eye Emergencies: When to See an Ophthalmologist

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Your eyes are delicate and vital to your daily life—so when something goes wrong, it’s important to know when to seek urgent care. Some eye conditions can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Here are some of the most common eye emergencies that require prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

 

Flashes and Floaters

Seeing flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters (small dark spots or threads in your vision that may move) can be a sign of retinal tear or detachment. This condition requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. 

 

Sudden Vision Loss

A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes—whether partial or complete—is always an emergency. It may be caused by many conditions including a retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, a stroke affecting vision, or a blocked blood vessels in the eye. Immediate treatment can make the difference between saving and losing vision. 

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Foreign Body in the Eye

A speck of dust or an eyelash is usually harmless, but a metal shard, piece of glass, or any object stuck in the eye can cause severe damage. Avoid rubbing your eye and see an ophthalmologist for evaluation.

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Eye Trauma

Any injury to the eye should be evaluated right away. Common signs of serious trauma include eye pain, bleeding, vision changes, swelling or bruising, or a foreign object in the eye. 

 

Eye Infections

Severe redness, pain, discharge, or swelling can indicate a serious eye infection. Especially when used improperly, contact lenses are a common risk factor for the development of a serious eye infection. Prompt treatment is crucial to protect your vision.

 

Chemical Exposure

Getting household cleaners, industrial chemicals, or other irritants in the eye can cause burns and scarring. Immediately flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes, then seek immediate care from an ophthalmologist. 

 

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

This less common but serious form of glaucoma which results from a rapid rise in eye pressure and can lead to blindness if untreated. Symptoms include severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, nausea or vomiting, and halos around lights. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.