Eye problems can be alarming - especially when symptoms come on suddenly. From unexpected vision changes to eye pain or injuries, it’s not always obvious whether the situation requires immediate care or can wait for a routine appointment. Knowing when to call your eye doctor can make a critical difference in protecting your vision.

What Is Considered an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency is any condition that threatens your vision, eye health, or overall safety if not treated promptly. Some eye issues may feel uncomfortable but aren’t urgent, while others require immediate evaluation to prevent permanent damage or vision loss. When in doubt, it’s always better to call and ask. Acting quickly can preserve sight and reduce complications.

You should contact an eye care professional right away if you experience any of the following.

Sudden Vision Changes

Any sudden loss of vision, blurred vision, double vision, or dark spots should be treated as urgent. These symptoms can be signs of serious conditions such as retinal detachment, stroke-related issues, or vascular problems.

Eye Pain or Severe Discomfort

Persistent or intense eye pain is not normal. Pain accompanied by redness, nausea, headache, or light sensitivity may indicate conditions like glaucoma, infection, or inflammation that require prompt care.

Eye Injuries or Trauma

If something hits your eye, penetrates it, or causes bleeding, swelling, or bruising, seek care immediately. Chemical exposure to the eye - including household cleaners or industrial chemicals - also requires urgent treatment. Do not rub the eye, and flush with clean water if advised while seeking help.

Flashes, Floaters, or a Curtain Over Vision

Seeing sudden flashes of light, a surge in floaters, or a shadow or curtain moving across your vision can be signs of retinal detachment. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate evaluation.

Red Eye With Vision Changes or Discharge

While mild redness can be caused by allergies or irritation, redness paired with pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or thick discharge may signal infection or inflammation that needs urgent care.

Signs of Infection

Symptoms such as swelling around the eye, fever, eye discharge, or worsening redness could indicate a serious infection. Infections can progress quickly and should not be ignored.

When It May Not Be an Emergency - but Still Worth a Call

Some eye issues may not be emergencies but still deserve attention. These include mild eye irritation, dry eye symptoms, gradual vision changes, or minor redness without pain or vision loss. While these concerns may not require same-day care, contacting your eye doctor can help determine the appropriate next step and provide peace of mind. If you’re ever uncertain, calling your eye care doctor is the safest choice.

Experience You Can Trust for Urgent Eye Care

Eye emergencies aren’t always obvious, but recognizing the warning signs can help protect your vision. Sudden changes in vision, eye pain, injuries, or signs of infection should never be ignored. When it comes to your eyes, caution is always the right approach - especially if something doesn’t feel right.

If you’re experiencing concerning eye symptoms or aren’t sure whether your situation is an eye emergency, contact Raleigh Eye Center right away. Contact our office in Raleigh, Durham, Reidsville, Henderson, North Carolina, or South Hill, Virginia. Call (919) 899-2472, (919) 876-2427 or (252) 492-8021 for further guidance.