Getting annual eye exams is vital for good eye health. However, there are times when you must schedule an emergency visit to the eye doctor. Some eye conditions can result in complications or vision loss if not treated promptly. Eye pain is a good indicator that you need urgent care. The earlier a condition is treated, the better the chance of recovery. 
 

Traumatic Eye Injuries

Eye injuries can occur due to various conditions or incidents. Accidents can happen anywhere at any time, and they can cause severe eye injuries. An injury can be caused by something entering the eye. It may be a solid object, a liquid, or a powder.
 

This type of injury needs urgent medical attention. Severe injuries can cause pain, eye redness, swelling, double vision, or light sensitivity. Without treatment, the injuries can lead to vision loss.
 

Chemical Burns 

If chemicals get into the eye, it is vital to get emergency care. The first thing you should do is rinse the eye with water or a saline solution. Allow the water to run through the eye for 15 minutes to flush out the chemical.
 

Do not use a chemical substance to clean the eye, avoid rubbing it, and do not bandage it. After flushing the eye, get to the emergency room quickly. If you are wearing contacts, try to remove them before flushing the eyes. 
 

Sudden Vision Changes 

If you experience sudden or noticeable vision changes, visit your eye doctor immediately. Vision changes are a common symptom of corneal or retinal damage and, if untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. You may have a retinal detachment if vision changes include floating spots or light flashes. The changes could also be symptoms of nerve damage, a stroke, or other neurological disorders.  
 

Eye Pain and Redness 

Eye pain and blurry vision or sudden redness require emergency care. The pain may be caused by temporal arteritis, a severe condition where the arteries become damaged or inflamed. This affects the supply of blood to the brain and head.
 

Infection and corneal swelling can also cause pain and sudden vision loss. If the red eye is accompanied by discharge, urgent care is necessary. Accurate diagnosis is vital to get the best treatment. 
 

Bulging Eyes

If you develop bulging eyes or proptosis, contact your eye doctor immediately. Also known as exophthalmos, the condition can be due to various factors, some severe. Growth of abnormal blood vessels or an injury to the eye socket can cause bulging.
 

The condition can also be due to bacterial infections, inflammation, tumors, or a thyroid condition (Graves’ disease). If not treated, the swelling can spread and worsen, even affecting the brain.  

Other conditions that require emergency attention include chronic headaches, different-sized pupils, bruising around the eye, and glaucoma. Warning signs to look out for include a burning or stinging sensation, double vision, increased light sensitivity, and eye discharge. Others are one eye not moving like the other, severe itching, and decreased vision. Remember, immediate care can help save your eyesight. 
 

For more eye issues that need emergency care, visit Invision Family Eyecare at our office in Concord, North Carolina. Call (704) 795-3937 to book an appointment today.