Your eyes are delicate and essential for everyday life, so when an emergency arises, knowing whether to go to the emergency room (ER) or call your eye doctor can make all the difference in preserving your vision. Many eye-related emergencies require specialized care that general ER doctors may not be equipped to provide. Understanding common eye emergencies and where to seek treatment can help you make the right decision.

Common Eye Emergencies

Certain eye injuries and conditions need immediate medical attention. Some of the most common eye emergencies include:
 

• Foreign Objects in the Eye: If something is embedded in your eye, such as metal, glass, or wood, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Seek immediate medical attention.
   

• Eye Infections or Severe Redness: Conditions such as pink eye (conjunctivitis), keratitis (corneal infections), or styes can cause pain, discharge, and vision problems. While mild cases may not be emergencies, worsening symptoms require urgent care.
   

• Sudden Vision Loss or Blurred Vision: If you experience sudden blurry vision, double vision, or complete vision loss, it could indicate serious issues like a retinal detachment, stroke, or optic nerve damage.
   

• Flashes of Light or Floaters: An increase in floaters, flashing lights, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision may be a sign of retinal detachment, which requires immediate treatment.
   

• Chemical Burns: If chemicals such as cleaning agents, solvents, or aerosols get into your eye, rinse your eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical care. Some chemicals can cause permanent damage within minutes.
   

• Eye Trauma or Injury: Blunt force trauma from sports, falls, or accidents can lead to internal bleeding, fractures, or retinal damage. Even if pain subsides, seeing an eye doctor ensures there are no underlying issues.
   

• Severe Eye Pain or Pressure: Persistent eye pain could be linked to conditions such as glaucoma, corneal abrasions, infections, or inflammation. Any ongoing pressure or discomfort should not be ignored.

Should You Go to the ER or Call Your Eye Doctor?

In many cases, seeing an eye doctor is the best choice for specialized and immediate care. Emergency rooms are better suited for life-threatening conditions but may not have the tools or expertise to handle eye-specific issues. If you are unsure, contact Albright Eyecare first. Our team can assess your symptoms and guide you on the best course of action.

Preventing Eye Emergencies

While some accidents are unavoidable, taking steps to protect your eyes can reduce the risk of emergencies:
 

• Wear protective eyewear during sports, construction work, or when using chemicals.
   

• Follow proper contact lens hygiene to prevent infections.
   

• Take regular screen breaks to avoid digital eye strain and dryness.
   

• Be cautious with sharp objects and avoid rubbing your eyes if debris gets in them.

Many eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms until they become emergencies. Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect problems early, ensuring that small issues do not turn into urgent medical crises.

Your Vision, Our Priority 

When an eye emergency arises, knowing whether to call your eye doctor or go to the ER can make a significant difference in protecting your vision. While some severe cases, such as head trauma or deeply embedded objects, require immediate emergency care, most eye issues are best treated by an eye doctor who specializes in vision and ocular health.

At Albright Eyecare, we are dedicated to providing expert care for both urgent eye concerns and routine vision health. If you experience an eye emergency or need a comprehensive exam, visit our office in New Braunfels, Texas, or call (830) 271-4900 to book an appointment today.