What Are the Most Common Eye Emergencies?

Eye emergencies can happen suddenly and without warning. Whether caused by an accident, infection, or underlying eye condition, these situations often require immediate attention to protect your vision and prevent long-term damage. Knowing how to recognize an eye emergency - and when to seek urgent care - can make all the difference.

Below are some of the most common eye emergencies and what you should know about each one.

Sudden Vision Loss

Any rapid or unexplained loss of vision in one or both eyes is considered an emergency. This may appear as blurred vision, dark spots, flashes of light, or complete vision loss. Causes can range from retinal detachment and blocked blood vessels to neurological issues. Immediate evaluation is critical, as prompt treatment may help preserve vision.

Eye Injuries and Trauma

Injuries from sports, accidents, or falls can seriously damage the eye. Common traumatic injuries include blunt force trauma, cuts to the eyelid or eye surface, and puncture wounds. Even if pain or vision changes seem mild at first, eye injuries should always be evaluated by an eye care professional as soon as possible.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Dust, metal, wood, or other debris can become lodged in the eye, causing irritation, redness, tearing, and pain. Attempting to rub or remove an object on your own may worsen the injury. If flushing the eye with clean water does not remove the object, professional care is necessary.

Chemical Exposure

Chemicals such as cleaning products, industrial agents, or cosmetics can cause severe eye damage. Symptoms often include burning, redness, blurred vision, and excessive tearing. Immediate flushing with clean water is essential, followed by urgent medical care to reduce the risk of permanent injury.

Severe Eye Pain

Sudden or intense eye pain is never normal. It may be associated with conditions such as acute glaucoma, infections, inflammation, or trauma. Pain accompanied by nausea, headache, or vision changes should be treated as an emergency.

Eye Infections with Rapid Onset

While many eye infections are mild, some can progress quickly and threaten vision. Symptoms such as significant redness, swelling, discharge, light sensitivity, or pain - especially if worsening rapidly - require prompt evaluation. Infections involving contact lens wearers are particularly concerning and should be addressed immediately.

Flashes, Floaters, or a Curtain Over Vision

A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or the sensation of a shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. These symptoms should never be ignored, as early treatment can prevent permanent vision loss.

When to See an Eye Doctor

You should seek immediate care from an eye doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden vision changes or loss
• Eye pain that is severe, persistent, or worsening
• An eye injury, even if it seems minor
• Chemical exposure or a foreign object that won’t wash out
• Redness, swelling, or discharge accompanied by pain or light sensitivity
• Flashes of light, new floaters, or a shadow in your vision

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, it is always safer to have your eyes evaluated. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent vision damage.

Protect Your Sight - Get Care Now at Barnett Eyecare & Eyewear

Eye emergencies are unpredictable, but being aware of the warning signs can help you act quickly and protect your sight. When it comes to your eyes, delaying care can lead to serious and lasting consequences.

If you or a loved one is experiencing sudden vision changes, eye pain, or an eye injury, contact Barnett Eyecare & Eyewear right away. Visit our office in Billings, Montana, or call (406) 652-4455 to book an appointment today.