Eye Emergencies
Eye emergencies can occur without warning and may lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. This educational guide explains common eye emergencies, warning signs that require immediate attention, and what to do while seeking emergency care.
Important
This page is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice or emergency medical care. If you believe you are experiencing an eye emergency, seek immediate evaluation by an eye care professional or visit the nearest emergency department.
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in preserving vision. Never delay seeking medical attention if you experience sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, or an eye injury.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience
The following symptoms may indicate a vision-threatening emergency that requires urgent evaluation.
How Quickly Should You Seek Care?
Some eye problems require emergency treatment within minutes, while others should be evaluated the same day. Understanding the urgency of your symptoms may help you seek care appropriately.
Immediately (Call 911 or Go to the ER)
Sudden vision loss, penetrating eye injuries, severe chemical burns, or eye trauma with significant bleeding require immediate emergency medical attention.
Emergency Eye Care Today
Retinal detachment symptoms, severe eye pain, flashes with many floaters, acute glaucoma symptoms, or suspected eye infections should be evaluated immediately by an eye care professional.
Urgent (Within 24 Hours)
Persistent redness, worsening blurred vision, corneal abrasions, contact lens complications, or new double vision should be examined as soon as possible.
Routine Eye Examination
Dry eyes, mild eye strain, gradual vision changes, and long-standing floaters can usually be evaluated during a routine comprehensive eye examination.
Common Eye Emergencies
The following conditions commonly require urgent evaluation to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.
Retinal Detachment
- Sudden flashes of light
- Rapid increase in floaters
- Curtain or shadow over vision
- Requires emergency treatment
Eye Trauma
- Blunt injuries
- Penetrating injuries
- Orbital fractures
- Immediate evaluation recommended
Chemical Eye Injury
- Flush immediately with water
- Continue irrigation for at least 15–20 minutes
- Seek emergency care without delay
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Severe eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Nausea and vomiting
Corneal Ulcer
- Severe pain
- Red eye
- Light sensitivity
- Common in contact lens wearers
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
- Painless sudden vision loss
- Often described as an “eye stroke”
- Requires emergency evaluation
What To Do Before You Arrive
Taking the right steps immediately after an eye emergency may help reduce further damage while you are traveling to receive professional medical care.
Chemical Injury
- Immediately flush the eye with clean water or saline.
- Continue rinsing for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Remove contact lenses if they come out easily.
- Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Eye Trauma
- Do not rub the injured eye.
- Do not attempt to remove an object embedded in the eye.
- Protect the eye with a loose shield if available.
- Seek emergency evaluation immediately.
Sudden Vision Loss
- Stop driving immediately if vision is impaired.
- Arrange transportation to an emergency department.
- Avoid delaying medical evaluation.
- Note when the symptoms began if possible.
Possible Eye Infection
- Remove contact lenses immediately.
- Avoid wearing lenses until cleared by your doctor.
- Do not share eye medications.
- Seek prompt medical evaluation.
✅ Do
- Seek emergency care promptly.
- Protect the injured eye from additional trauma.
- Bring your current medications if possible.
- Tell your provider exactly when symptoms started.
- Follow first-aid recommendations while traveling.
❌ Don’t
- Do not rub your eye.
- Do not remove objects stuck in the eye.
- Do not delay care hoping symptoms improve.
- Do not wear contact lenses during an emergency.
- Do not use leftover prescription eye drops unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
Remember
Many eye emergencies can be successfully treated when evaluated promptly. Delaying care may increase the risk of permanent vision loss. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, it is safest to seek immediate medical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about eye emergencies and when immediate medical attention may be necessary.
Should I go to the emergency room for sudden vision loss?
Yes. Sudden vision loss is considered an eye emergency and should be evaluated immediately. Delaying treatment may increase the risk of permanent vision loss.
What should I do if chemicals get into my eye?
Immediately flush your eye with clean water or saline for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Continue rinsing while seeking emergency medical care.
Are flashes of light always an emergency?
New flashes of light—especially when accompanied by a sudden increase in floaters or a curtain over your vision—may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment and require urgent evaluation.
Can I drive myself to the hospital during an eye emergency?
If your vision is significantly affected, it is safest to have someone else drive you or call emergency medical services. Driving with impaired vision can be dangerous.
Should I remove something stuck in my eye?
No. Never attempt to remove an object embedded in the eye. Protect the eye as much as possible and seek emergency medical care immediately.
Can contact lenses cause eye emergencies?
Yes. Contact lens wear can increase the risk of serious corneal infections and ulcers. Severe pain, redness, discharge, or decreased vision while wearing contact lenses requires prompt evaluation.
Is a retinal detachment painful?
Not always. Many people experience flashes of light, new floaters, or a curtain over their vision without pain. These symptoms should always be evaluated immediately.
When should I call 911 instead of going to an eye clinic?
Call 911 if an eye injury occurs as part of major trauma, if you have severe bleeding, sudden vision loss with neurological symptoms such as facial drooping or weakness, or if you are unable to travel safely to receive emergency care.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided by Kardia Eye Resource Center is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Eye emergencies require timely evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. The information on this page is designed to help you recognize warning signs, but it cannot determine the cause or severity of your symptoms.
If you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, flashes of light with new floaters, eye trauma, chemical exposure, or any sudden, significant change in your vision, seek immediate emergency medical care or contact your nearest emergency department without delay.