Emergency Eye Care
When it comes to your eyes, abrupt changes or injuries shouldn’t be taken lightly. Just as you wouldn’t ignore chest pain or a broken bone, a serious eye issue deserves the same urgency.
Whether it’s sudden vision loss, an injury, or a painful infection, accessing emergency eye care quickly makes all the difference to your sight and long-term eye health.
Where should you go for an eye emergency?
For most emergency situations, your first port of call should be your local optometrist, since many offer same-day emergency appointments and are trained to diagnose and manage most urgent eye conditions. If the issue is more complex, you may be referred to the appropriate specialist or hospital eye department.
In cases of severe trauma or chemical injury, or if you are unable to access an optometrist promptly, go directly to your nearest A&E department.
Why is prompt attention so important?
The eyes are incredibly delicate. Any sudden change – whether in vision, appearance, or comfort – can be a sign of a serious problem. Unlike some minor health concerns that can wait, such issues should be addressed immediately by an optometrist or eye specialist. Early intervention can prevent complications, reduce the risk of lasting damage, and in many cases, restore full eye health more quickly.
What symptoms shouldn’t be ignored?
Not every eye problem requires emergency treatment, but certain symptoms should never be ignored. If you notice any of the following signs, don’t wait:
- Sudden loss or significant change in vision
- A red, painful eye with discharge or swelling
- Light sensitivity combined with blurred sight
- Severe eye pain or headache behind the eye
- Impact-related damage (from sports, accidents, or objects)
- A foreign body sensation, especially if it involves metal or debris
- Chemical splashes or burns.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, seeking urgent treatment as soon as possible could prevent long-term harm.
What can emergency eye care help with?
Urgent eye care services are designed to deal with immediate concerns such as:
- Acute eye infections
- Corneal abrasions or scratches
- Removal of foreign bodies (e.g., metal, grit)
- Sudden onset of flashing lights or floaters
- Trauma to the eye area
- Chemical burns or exposure.
Our practice provides on-call support so patients can receive care when it matters most. We approach these situations with urgency, offering prompt assessment and treatment to help restore your eye health as quickly as possible.