What Qualifies as an Eye Emergency? Examples and When to Seek Immediate Care

Life in New Braunfels is full of activity, from tubing the Comal River to exploring Gruene Historic District. But in the midst of our everyday routines, unexpected eye emergencies can happen. Whether it's an injury at work, an accident during a backyard barbecue, or a sudden vision change that seems to come out of nowhere, knowing when to seek immediate care can make all the difference in protecting your sight. At Local Eyes Optometry, we want to ensure that you and your family know what truly qualifies as an eye emergency—because not every issue can wait for a routine eye exam.

What Is Considered an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency is any situation where your vision, eye health, or overall well-being is at risk due to injury, infection, or a sudden change in sight. Some symptoms may seem minor at first but could quickly worsen without treatment. Here are a few critical situations that require immediate attention.

Sudden Vision Loss or Blurriness

If you suddenly experience vision loss or extreme blurriness in one or both eyes, don’t ignore it. This could indicate a serious issue such as a retinal detachment, stroke-related vision problems, or even severe eye infections.

Flashes of Light, Floaters, or a Dark Curtain Over Your
Vision

While a few floaters in your vision are common, a sudden increase in floaters combined with flashes of light could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. If you notice a dark shadow creeping into your vision, this is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.

Eye Trauma or Foreign Objects in the Eye

Accidents happen, especially in a town as active as New Braunfels. Whether it’s a stray branch hitting your eye on a hike or a splash of chemicals while cleaning, trauma to the eye can lead to serious complications. If something is embedded in your eye or if you’ve suffered a blunt-force injury, seek emergency eye care immediately—do not attempt to remove the object yourself.

Severe Eye Pain or Pressure

Persistent, intense eye pain is not normal. It could indicate glaucoma, a corneal ulcer, or an eye infection that requires urgent treatment. If your eye pain is accompanied by nausea or headaches, don’t wait—get checked out as soon as possible.

Red, Swollen, or Pus-Filled Eyes

While mild eye irritation could be allergies or a minor infection, red, swollen, and pus-filled eyes could indicate a more serious bacterial infection like bacterial conjunctivitis or even a corneal ulcer. These conditions can spread quickly and may lead to vision impairment if left untreated.

Chemical Burns or Eye Exposure to Irritants

Chemical exposure is a serious issue, whether from pool chemicals, cleaning supplies, or industrial materials. If you get a chemical in your eye, rinse immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes and then seek emergency care.

When Should You Seek Immediate Care?

If you experience any of the above symptoms, do not wait to see if they go away on their own. Time is critical when it comes to eye emergencies. In some cases, delaying treatment by even a few hours can lead to permanent vision loss. Dr. Page is committed to protecting the eye health of the New Braunfels community and surrounding areas.

Personalized Eye Care When You Need it Most

Eye emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and knowing when to seek immediate care can make all the difference. Whether it’s a sudden change in vision, an injury, or persistent pain, acting quickly can help prevent long-term damage.

If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, contact Local Eyes Optometry for prompt eye care. Visit our office in New Braunfels, Texas, or call our optometrist at (830) 627-9272 for further guidance.