Is this an Eye Emergency?
Many patients wonder what eye problems are considered emergencies and which can wait to be evaluated. Some of our patients may require a visit to the Emergency room while others can be treated at your eye doctor’s office.
There are multiple very serious causes of visual changes or symptoms that you can experience which is why it is important for us to review.
Emergency Eye Problems
Loss of vision (blacked out vision)
If, at any point, your vision goes completely black (in one eye or both) you need to see your eye doctor immediately or go straight to the emergency room. DO NOT WAIT. This could be due to a variety of causes, of which many are serious and possibly life threatening.
- Retinal detachment: may see flashes or floaters, may see curtain of black/lost vision coming over the vision.
- Impending stroke: sudden vision loss (which may return to normal) could mean a blockage in the blood flow to your eye and brain. Go to the ER immediately.
Flashes or floaters
This can be a sign that the retina is being disturbed and could mean a retinal detachment is happening. While occasional floaters and flashes are common and often harmless, certain situations require immediate medical attention.
When Flashes and Floaters are NOT Serious
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- Common Floaters: If you’ve had floaters for years and they haven’t changed or increased, they’re likely a normal part of aging or the result of changes in the vitreous (the gel inside the eye).
- Occasional Flashes: Flashes of light that occur sporadically and are mild may be due to migraines or natural changes in the vitreous, especially as you age.
- Slow Onset: If floaters or flashes develop slowly over time without any other symptoms, they’re often less concerning.
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When Are Flashes and Floaters Serious?
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- Sudden Increase: A sudden increase in the number of floaters, especially if they look like a “shower” of specks or spots.
- Flashes with a Curtain of Darkness: If you notice flashes of light followed by a dark curtain or shadow across your vision, it could signal a retinal detachment.
- Persistent Flashes: Continuous or frequent flashes of light, especially if they’re new, can indicate the retina is being disturbed.
- Accompanying Vision Loss: If flashes or floaters are paired with partial or total loss of vision, it may point to a serious condition, like a retinal tear or detachment.
- Stroke Warning Signs: While flashes alone are not typically a sign of a stroke, if they are accompanied by sudden vision loss, confusion, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of your body, seek emergency care immediately.
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Call or visit your eye doctor immediately. If there is an after hours number, contact them but if you are unable to reach your eye doctor, go to the emergency room.
Worst headache of my life
Headaches by themselves can be caused by everything from stress to tumors. If you are experiencing a headache worse than you have ever had, you need to go to the emergency room. Do not hesitate. You may need additional testing to rule out serious causes.
Sudden decrease in vision (blurry)
If there is any sudden change to your vision that is significant, make an appointment to see your eye doctor the same day. Some causes for sudden blurry vision may be a bleed inside the eye, fluid in the retina, swelling of the optic nerve, or inflammation inside the eye.
Severe pain
Any significant pain in the eye or behind the eye should indicate you need to see your eye doctor immediately. Some causes may be spike in intraocular pressure, corneal abrasion, fluid or pressure behind the eye
*Any of these symptoms require immediate attention or an emergency room visit.
Urgent Eye Problems
- Redness – could be due to infection, inflammation, foreign body, dry eyes, subconjunctival bleed, allergies
- Mild-Moderate Pain – could be due to inflammation, abrasion, stye, pressure behind the eye
- Mild-moderate Irritation – could be due to dryness, foreign body in the eye, inflammation
- Slightly blurry vision – if vision slowly or suddenly decreases slightly, this could be due to mild fluid in the retina, corneal edema, or dryness
- You got something in your eye – whether it be an eyelash, dirt, shampoo, or a chemical the best thing to do is flush your eye with artificial tears or water and call the office. Usually these can be treated at your eye doctor, but if after hours or on the weekend, an emergency visit may be required.
*Urgent symptoms may or may not require an urgent visit to the eye doctor. It is best to call the office and discuss your symptoms to determine the best course of action.
This list does not include every symptom that requires an urgent or emergency visit. If you feel like something significant changed in your eyes or vision, either contact your doctors office or visit the emergency room. There is no risk in being evaluated, but waiting could possibly lead to damage or vision loss.
If you feel like you need emergency eye care assistance, contact our office at 954-726-0204.
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