Close
Eye emergencies can occur unexpectedly, making it essential to know how to respond when urgent care is needed. Remaining calm is crucial, as it allows you and those around you to think clearly and act effectively.
It is important not to assess the severity of an eye injury on your own. Instead, contact your eye care professional promptly for guidance on the appropriate next steps. At Lucent Family Eye Care, our team is experienced in managing ocular emergencies and is available to assist you whenever urgent care is required.
In many cases, it is not necessary to visit a hospital emergency room for eye-related emergencies. Research indicates that most urgent eye conditions can be effectively treated by an optometrist. However, if you believe your situation requires immediate medical attention, do not hesitate to proceed to the nearest emergency facility.
An eye emergency is any situation that threatens the health of your eyes or your vision and requires prompt medical attention to prevent permanent damage. Common eye emergencies include:
While many eye infections, such as mild conjunctivitis (pink eye), may not require a visit to the emergency department at the hospital, it is important to seek prompt evaluation by our eye doctors. Some infections can progress rapidly and may threaten vision if left untreated. Symptoms such as severe pain, decreased vision, significant redness, swelling, or discharge warrant urgent attention.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Foreign bodies in the eye can range from minor irritants such as eyelashes or dust to more serious materials like metal fragments or splinters. If you are unable to flush the object out with sterile saline or clean water, or if you experience ongoing pain, redness, or changes in vision, promptly schedule an appointment with our eye care professionals. We have the expertise and equipment to safely identify and remove foreign objects.
If you suspect that a foreign object has penetrated the eye, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department. Early intervention is critical to prevent further injury and preserve your vision.
If you experience an eye emergency, contact Lucent Family Eye Care immediately to schedule an emergency eye care appointment. If you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent attention, call our office for guidance—delaying treatment can increase the risk of serious complications and potential vision loss.
While you await professional care:
Do not press on or rub the injured eye
Do not attempt to remove a foreign body yourself
Avoid using dry cotton (including cotton swabs) or sharp instruments on the eye
Do not try to remove an embedded object
For further instructions or to discuss your symptoms, please contact our office. Our team is here to support you during any eye emergency.
