Prompt Support When You Need It Most
Eye emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and when they do, prompt attention is crucial to protecting your vision. At Van Buren Optical, we’re equipped with the training, experience, and advanced tools necessary to handle a range of urgent eye issues.
Defining an Eye Emergency
Certain signs may indicate a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Common reasons to seek urgent care include:
- Rapid loss of vision
- Direct injury to the eye
- Contact lens stuck in the eye
- Foreign debris in the eye
- Sudden onset of flashes or floaters
- Scratches or cuts to the eye area
- Exposure to harmful chemicals
- Severe pain or irritation
Typical Eye Emergency Situations
Chemical Exposure
Contact with chemicals — whether liquid, powder, or vapor — can damage eye tissues within minutes. Symptoms like burning, redness, tearing, or blurry vision may be signs of chemical injury. While thorough rinsing with water for at least 15 minutes can help reduce irritation, professional care should follow right away.
Corneal Scratches and Sores
Corneal abrasions are surface-level scratches that can cause pain, sensitivity to light, redness, and tearing. Without treatment, these injuries can become infected and lead to corneal ulcers, which are more serious and affect vision.
Foreign Material in the Eye
If a particle or object gets stuck in your eye, avoid rubbing or picking at it. Try rinsing gently with clean water after removing contact lenses if you wear them. If the object persists, our team can safely remove it using specialized instruments
Sudden Flashes or Floaters
Flashes of light or new floaters — tiny spots drifting through your field of vision — may be harmless with age. However, if they appear suddenly or increase rapidly, they could signal a retinal tear or detachment, which is a serious condition needing urgent care.
Protect Your Vision
Timely action is essential in eye emergencies. Even injuries that seem minor or painless can become more serious without proper evaluation. Don’t take chances with your eyesight — reach out to Phoenix Eye Docs for fast, compassionate emergency eye care.