What is Considered an Eye Emergency? 

Our vision is precious, so of course, we’d all be worried if we thought something was going to affect it. But how do you know whether something is a true emergency or not? 

The problem with sudden health issues is that they often don’t occur during normal working hours. Weekends, during the night, on public holidays… None of us want to be burdened by the hassle and expense of emergency treatment if it’s not necessary. But we also don’t want to risk our eyesight by not seeking immediate help if it’s needed.

Read on to discover the red flags that signal a true eye emergency and the conditions that might be more appropriate to wait a while before you seek treatment.

The 1-2-3 of a True Eye Emergency 

• Eye emergency: the red flags
• Probably not an eye emergency

Eye emergency: the red flags

To best understand what constitutes a true eye emergency, the easiest way to do this is to know what a medical clinician would look for. The following is a (non-exhaustive) list of things that would likely need an immediate trip to the emergency room. 

• Sudden loss of vision—either complete or partial
• Sudden and severe red eye
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Severe pain
• A veil or curtain coming across the field of vision
• Seeing flashes of light
• A contact lens wearer experiencing sudden pain/redness that doesn’t ease with the removal of the lens
• A chemical burn
• A penetrating eye injury
• The sudden appearance of multiple floaters
• The sudden appearance of fresh blood within the eye—especially if you take any blood-thinning medication

These symptoms could occur in isolation or any combination. If any of them are also associated with the following, this would also constitute an eye emergency:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Recent head or eye trauma
• Any stroke symptoms, such as slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, drooling, reduced level of consciousness

Probably not an eye emergency

There are many (many) eye symptoms that, while worrying, probably don’t require emergency treatment. One of the key things to understand is the speed of onset of a symptom. If something occurs suddenly then it’s likely to be acute. Something that increases over days or weeks may require treatment but might not be so time-sensitive.

However, this isn’t to say that a minor condition can’t evolve into an emergency. More minor ailments, such as cellulitis, on the face and around the eye can migrate into the eye itself. This is a serious and sight-threatening condition. Red-eye is another condition that might not be an emergency at first but that can become one.

Small scratches to the cornea—typically accompanied by mild pain, excessive tears, and a “gritty” feeling—can likely wait until your eye doctor’s opening hours. However, a more severe scratch might warrant urgent treatment.

The key to seeking emergency treatment or waiting a few hours should be taken by the level of concern you feel. Any of the red flags listed above demand immediate action. If it’s more of an irritant or the onset has been slow, it’s generally okay to wait until your eye doctor opens their doors.

As with any health situation, if you’re unsure then it’s always better to err on the side of caution, rather than delay treatment for a true emergency.

Emergency or Routine: The Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic is There When You Need It

Modern Cataract Surgery is a world-leading clinic that specializes in the treatment of cataracts and other eye conditions. Emergency, urgent, and routine care are all specialties—whatever your reason to visit your treatment will be facilitated by a member of the expert clinical team.

Visit (web link) to find out more and, in the case of an eye emergency, call out 24/7/365 hotline for advice and treatment.

‍