Vision is our primary sense for navigating the world, so when something goes wrong, it can be quite alarming. Knowing when to seek urgent medical attention for eye issues can save your vision. In some cases, it might be even faster to visit your optometrist’s office than wait in a hospital emergency room or walk-in clinic.
You should see an eye doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following:
- Eye Injury
- Sudden Vision Changes (including vision loss, blurring, and double vision)
- Severe Eye Pain
- Persistent Redness
- Persistent Light Sensitivity
- Swelling Around the Eyes
- Eye Discharge
Why Eye Health Should Never Be Taken Lightly
Vision problems can escalate quickly, often leading to irreversible damage. Ignoring symptoms or delaying a visit to the eye doctor can result in severe consequences. This post aims to educate you on identifying urgent eye issues and taking prompt action.
Don’t Wait at a Walk-In Clinic—See an Optometrist
While walk-in clinics can be convenient for many minor health issues, they may not have the specialized equipment or expertise necessary for diagnosing complex eye problems. For eye emergencies, it’s important to consult with an optometrist for prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, an optometrist can often provide you with quicker care compared to a visit to a walk-in clinic or emergency room.
At Henderson Vision Centre, we prioritize seeing our patients for emergency eye care and will always strive to accommodate them within our schedule. While we make every effort to assist all patients, please understand that we may not always be able to fit everyone into our schedule immediately.
Henderson Vision Centre can accommodate emergency patients during office hours. Outside office hours, or if we are unable to accommodate you, you can visit the 24/7 Eye Care Centre at Misericordia Health Care Centre.
Eye-Related Symptoms That Require Immediate Attention
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can range from minor to severe. If you experience a chemical splash, blunt trauma, or a foreign object in the eye, seek immediate medical attention. These injuries can cause permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Chemical splashes are particularly dangerous and require immediate rinsing with water. Blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to the retina. A foreign object in the eye can lead to infections and should be removed by a professional.
Don’t try to treat severe eye injuries at home. Visit an emergency room or an eye doctor as soon as possible. Quick action can save your vision.
Sudden Vision Changes
Sudden changes in vision, such as flashes of light, halos, floaters, blurred vision, or double vision, can be signs of serious conditions.
Flashes of light can indicate a tear in the retina, while floaters might be a sign of retinal detachment. Blurred vision can result from various issues, including infections like shingles. Double vision can be caused by neurological damage like a stroke or brain injury, or by dysfunction in the muscles around the eyes.
Severe Eye Pain
Severe eye pain is a red flag for various serious conditions. Glaucoma, for example, can cause intense pain and pressure in the eye. Corneal abrasions or infections like shingles can also result in severe discomfort.
Glaucoma is a condition where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. Corneal abrasions are scratches on the surface of the eye, while infections can cause inflammation and pain.
Persistent Red Eyes
While red eyes are often due to minor irritations, they can also indicate serious conditions like uveitis or conjunctivitis. Persistent redness accompanied by pain, discharge, or blurred vision should be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, while conjunctivitis is an infection of the outer layer. Both conditions can cause severe redness and require medical treatment.
Persistent Light Sensitivity
Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, can be a symptom of various eye conditions. Corneal abrasions, infections, and migraines can cause this sensitivity. In some cases, light sensitivity can indicate more severe issues like meningitis.
Swelling Around the Eyes
Swelling around the eyes can result from allergies, infections, or trauma. However, severe or persistent swelling can indicate more serious conditions like orbital cellulitis, which requires urgent treatment.
Allergies can cause mild swelling, but infections like cellulitis can lead to severe swelling and redness. Trauma can also cause swelling and should be examined by a professional.
Eye Discharge
Eye discharge can be a symptom of infections, allergies, or blocked tear ducts. While mild discharge is often harmless, thick or colored discharge requires medical attention. Infections like conjunctivitis can cause thick, yellow, or green discharge. Allergies can result in clear discharge, while blocked tear ducts can cause constant tearing.
Your Vision Matters
Your eyes play a crucial role in your daily life, and taking care of them should be a priority. Recognizing the signs of eye emergencies and seeking prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in preserving your vision.If you have an eye care emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Henderson Vision Centre with any questions. We will help guide you in the right direction.
