Urgent Eye Care

Emergency Eye Care: When to Seek Immediate Help

Sudden eye symptoms can sometimes threaten vision. If you are uncertain whether a problem is urgent, calling the practice promptly is safer than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Symptoms that deserve prompt attention

Sudden loss or significant change in vision
New flashes of light, a sudden shower of floaters, or a curtain or shadow in the vision
Severe eye pain, especially with redness, headache, nausea, or vision change
Significant blunt or penetrating eye injury
A foreign object embedded in the eye
Chemical exposure to the eye
Sudden double vision or new neurologic symptoms affecting vision

Chemical exposure: act immediately

If a chemical gets into the eye, begin flushing the eye immediately with clean lukewarm water or saline and continue irrigating while arranging urgent medical evaluation. Do not delay irrigation while trying to identify the chemical or contact the office.

Do not try to remove an embedded object

If an object appears stuck in or penetrating the eye, do not pull it out or press on the eye. Protect the area from additional contact and seek emergency medical care.

Where should you go?

New Path Vision can help triage many urgent eye concerns during office hours. Symptoms suggesting major trauma, chemical injury, sudden vision loss, severe pain, or a medical emergency may require an emergency department or emergency ophthalmic care. Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms.

Important: This page provides general educational information and is not a diagnosis, individualized medical advice, or a substitute for an eye examination. If symptoms are sudden, severe, or associated with an injury or chemical exposure, seek prompt medical care.

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