Eye emergencies can occur at any time, even when you least expect them. From sudden vision changes to chemical exposure or trauma, these situations require swift action. Knowing what to do and when to act can protect your vision and prevent lasting damage.
Whether you're experiencing unexplained flashes of light, floaters, or an eye injury, it's essential to seek the right care fast. In this article, we’ll walk you through common eye emergencies, how to respond, and when to visit your eye doctor versus the emergency room.
Honest Eye Doctor offers prompt, professional emergency eye care, with same-day appointments available, including Saturdays.
Is it an Eye Emergency?
Eye emergencies aren’t always dramatic, but they are serious. Many begin with subtle symptoms that can rapidly worsen. Here are a few red flags that should never be ignored:
Flashes and Floaters
Sudden flashes of light or a shower of new floaters can signal a retinal tear or detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. If you experience these symptoms, especially accompanied by a dark shadow or curtain in your vision, seek medical care immediately.
Chemical Exposure
If you accidentally get cleaning products, industrial chemicals, or even shampoo in your eyes, it can cause chemical burns or corneal damage. Rinse your eyes immediately with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, and then seek urgent care, even if your eye feels better afterward.
Eye Trauma or Foreign Object
A blow to the eye or a foreign object lodged in it requires emergency attention. Do not attempt to remove anything embedded in the eye. Instead, cover it loosely and seek immediate care from your eye doctor or the nearest emergency care provider to prevent infection or severe internal damage.
Sudden Vision Loss
A sudden decrease in vision, whether in one or both eyes, is always an emergency. This could be caused by retinal artery occlusion, optic nerve issues, or even a stroke. Don’t delay—every minute counts when it comes to protecting your sight.
Persistent Redness, Pain, or Discharge
While red eyes can sometimes be caused by dryness or allergies, intense pain, ongoing redness, or thick discharge may indicate a more serious condition, such as acute glaucoma, uveitis, or a severe eye infection. If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen within a few hours, consult a healthcare professional.
Calling an Eye Doctor vs. Going to the ER
It’s a common misconception that the ER is the best place for eye emergencies. While ERs are essential for life-threatening situations or head trauma, they often lack the specialized tools and training to handle eye-specific emergencies.
At Honest Eye Doctor, our optometrists can treat most eye emergencies on-site, and we offer same-day appointments, including Saturdays. With the right equipment and expertise, we can often diagnose and treat your condition more quickly and effectively than in a general emergency room.
When to Visit the Emergency Room
- You have a head injury along with eye trauma
- You experience total or near-total vision loss
- You suspect a stroke or neurological issue
When to call Honest Eye Doctor
- You have a red or painful eye that’s not improving
- You’re seeing flashes, floaters, or dark spots
- You’ve had chemical exposure or eye trauma
- You feel something is “in” your eye or vision seems off
What to Do Before You Arrive
If you're dealing with an eye emergency, knowing the proper first steps can help protect your vision:
- For chemical exposure: Rinse your eye continuously with clean, lukewarm water for 15 minutes, then seek urgent medical care.
- For a blow to the eye: Gently apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort. Avoid putting pressure directly on the eye.
- If something is stuck in your eye: Do not rub, touch, or try to remove the object. Cover the eye loosely to protect it while you seek help.
- If you see flashes or floaters: Keep movement to a minimum and call your eye doctor immediately.
- If contact lenses are causing pain or vision changes: Remove them (if it's safe to do so) and avoid wearing them again until your eyes have been examined.
Same-Day Emergency Eye Care in Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown
We provide prompt, professional care for urgent eye issues at our convenient locations across Central Texas. We understand that emergencies can occur at any time, which is why we offer same-day appointments, including Saturdays.
If you're experiencing a vision emergency, don’t hesitate. Our experienced eye doctors have the tools, training, and compassion to treat you quickly and safely—without the wait of an ER.
Don’t Wait—Get Help Before It’s Too Late
Eye emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. If you’re experiencing unusual vision changes, pain, or trauma, trust your instincts and seek care immediately.
Call Honest Eye Doctor now for same-day emergency care in Austin, Round Rock, or Georgetown — even on Saturdays. Your vision is worth it.