Eye Emergencies

Eye Emergencies

There is a wide range of eye emergencies which can be the result of a variety of causes and it is important to know what to do and what not to do in case of emergency.

If you are experiencing an eye emergency please visit the page below for more information on what to do. Eyecare specialists always recommend calling if you have an eye emergency, to make sure that you are taking the proper precautions.

Symptoms

There is such a wide variety of causes and conditions associated with eye emergencies and each one comes with its own symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, especially suddenly, try to get an immediate appointment with your eye doctor and if that is not possible, seek urgent care from your nearby emergency room:

  • Sudden loss or change of vision
  • Double vision
  • Pupils appear to be different sizes
  • One eye is protruding outward
  • One eye is not moving like the other
  • Pain or burning sensation in the eye
  • New or severe headaches
  • Spots (known as floaters) in your field of vision, accompanied by flashes of light

What Not to Do During an Eye Emergency

If you are experiencing an eye emergency, please do not try to treat it on your own. During an eye emergency, the status of your eye is fragile and only a professional can treat it without causing further damage.

No matter how tempting it is, please do not:

  • Rub your eyes
  • Try to apply ointments, eye drops or medication to your eyes
  • Remove a foreign body from your eyes
  • Use tweezers or any other tools near your eyes
 
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