Many eye problems develop slowly and can be addressed during a routine eye exam. However, some eye conditions are true emergencies and require immediate medical attention. Knowing when to seek urgent eye care can make the difference between preserving your vision and suffering permanent damage.

Sudden Vision Loss or Changes

Any sudden loss of vision - whether partial or complete - should be treated as a medical emergency. This includes blurred vision, dark spots, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow across your field of view.

Sudden vision changes can be caused by serious conditions such as retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, or blocked blood vessels in the eye. These issues often worsen quickly, and early treatment significantly improves the chances of saving vision.

Eye Injuries or Trauma

Eye injuries can happen at work, during sports, or even at home. Blunt force trauma, cuts, or puncture wounds to the eye should be evaluated immediately.

Even injuries that seem minor can cause internal damage that isn’t visible without a professional exam. Trauma can lead to internal bleeding, retinal tears, or increased eye pressure, all of which can permanently affect vision if left untreated. If an object is stuck in the eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Seek emergency eye care right away.

Chemical Exposure to the Eye

Exposure to chemicals such as cleaning products, industrial chemicals, or pool chemicals is a serious eye emergency. Chemicals can cause rapid damage to the surface of the eye and deeper structures, potentially leading to scarring or vision loss.

If a chemical enters your eye, rinse it immediately with clean water or saline if available, and seek emergency eye care as soon as possible. Even if discomfort improves after rinsing, professional evaluation is still essential.

Severe Eye Pain

Eye pain that is intense, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms should never be ignored. Severe pain may indicate conditions such as acute glaucoma, corneal infections, or inflammation inside the eye.

Some painful eye conditions progress rapidly and can cause irreversible damage within hours. Over-the-counter pain relief or eye drops are not a substitute for proper medical evaluation.

Red Eye with Vision Changes or Discharge

While mild redness can be caused by allergies or irritation, red eyes combined with vision changes, significant pain, light sensitivity, or thick discharge may signal a serious infection or inflammation. Eye infections such as keratitis or uveitis can damage eye structures if not treated promptly. In some cases, these conditions can spread or lead to long-term vision complications.

Flashes of Light or Sudden Floaters

Seeing sudden flashes of light or a rapid increase in floaters can be a warning sign of retinal detachment or retinal tears. These symptoms are especially concerning if they appear suddenly or are accompanied by vision loss. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Without timely treatment, it can result in permanent vision loss.

Why Eye Emergencies Can’t Wait

The eyes are delicate and complex organs. Many emergency eye conditions progress quickly and may not cause noticeable pain until damage has already occurred. Waiting too long can reduce treatment options and limit the chances of restoring vision.

Prompt evaluation allows your eye doctor to diagnose the issue early, begin appropriate treatment, and protect your long-term eye health.

Get in Touch with Reeve Woods Eye Center for Emergency Eye Care

Understanding when to see an eye doctor immediately is essential for protecting your vision. Sudden vision changes, eye injuries, chemical exposure, severe pain, flashes of light, and other urgent symptoms should never be ignored. When it comes to eye emergencies, acting quickly can preserve sight and prevent permanent damage.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an eye emergency, contact Reeve Woods Eye Center right away. Visit our offices are in Fridley, Maplewood, and Maple Grove, Minnesota. Call (763) 308-8440, (651) 777-3555, or (763) 420-6981 to book an appointment today.