Is This an Eye Emergency? How to Know When It’s Serious

We all rely on our eyes from the moment we wake up. So, when something feels off, it’s natural to worry. Is this a “see a doctor soon” kind of problem, or a “go to the ER now” situation?

Knowing what to look for can help you act quickly and protect your precious sight.

 

Key Signs of an Eye Emergency

It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your eyes. If you notice any of the following, it is a good idea to get medical help right away:

  • Sudden vision loss or blurriness: If your vision becomes blurry, cloudy, or even disappears, even for a short time, it could signal a serious issue.
  • Severe eye pain: A deep, aching, or sharp pain in or around your eye is something you should not ignore.
  • Flashes of light or new floaters: Seeing sudden flashes of light or noticing dark spots or lines in your vision can be warning signs that need attention.
  • Visible blood in the eye: A red patch in the white part of your eye, especially if it was not caused by minor irritation, requires immediate care.
  • Uneven pupil size: If one pupil becomes noticeably larger or smaller than the other, it could be a sign of a problem.
  • Difficulty moving your eye: If you cannot move your eye normally or it causes pain to do so, this could indicate nerve damage.
  • Bulging eye: If your eye appears to be protruding more than usual, it is a sign that you should seek help immediately.
  • Discharge or pus: Any thick, yellow, or green discharge is often a sign of infection that needs medical attention.
  • Extreme sensitivity to light: When normal room light or sunlight causes significant pain or discomfort, it may be a sign of an underlying issue.
  • Bruising or swelling after injury: Significant bruising or swelling around the eye, especially if vision changes accompany it, means you should seek medical help.
 

 

What to Do Right Away in an Emergency

Here is what to do while you seek professional help.

Do not rub your eye. Rubbing can make things much worse, especially if there is an injury.

Do not attempt to remove an object stuck in your eye by yourself. You might push the object deeper, causing even more damage. Instead, just cover your eye with a clean, soft material, such as the bottom of a paper cup, and seek help right away.

If you have your contact lenses on, do not try to remove them if your eye is in pain or has been injured. It is better to leave that to a medical professional.

If you have had a chemical splash in your eye, flush it immediately with clean, lukewarm water. Let the water run gently from the inner corner of your eye outward for at least 15 minutes. After that, go to the nearest emergency room, even if your eye feels better.

 

When to Go Straight to the Emergency Room

Some situations are too urgent to wait. In these cases, head straight to the emergency room or an urgent care center:

  • Any chemical exposure to the eye.
  • An object stuck in your eye that you cannot easily flush out.
  • Any significant trauma to your eye, like a hard blow, puncture, or cut.
  • Sudden, painless vision loss or significant changes in your sight.


 

Trust Your Instincts

Your eyes are precious, and protecting your vision is important. If you are ever unsure whether a symptom is serious, it is always better to call your eye doctor or go straight to an urgent care center or emergency room. Acting quickly can often prevent long-term damage and help you maintain your vision health.

Remember, when in doubt, get it checked out. Taking quick action can be the simple step that makes all the difference in protecting your eyes.

For more on eye emergencies, visit Neighborhood Eye Doctors. Our office is in Spring, Texas. Call (254) 256-2200 to book an appointment today.