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Vision is important. While it’s critical to schedule annual eye exams with your eye doctor, we understand that life happens and sometimes people often wait until sudden changes happen with their eyes or eye sight. We offer emergency appointments for all of our patients.
Eye emergencies are unpredictable and can happen at any moment. Some eye emergencies develop suddenly and some develop gradually over time. It’s important to see an eye doctor immediately when an eye emergency happens. Below are common eye emergencies we treat on a regular basis here at Smart Eye Care. If you have an eye emergency, please call us immediately.
Telehealth
We offer telehealth exams for eye emergencies when an office visit isn't convenient. We think continuity of care is important and it only makes sense to be able to talk to YOUR Smart Eye Care doctor when you have an eye emergency. They know you, your eyes, your medical history, and your family history. That relationship is valuable for patient care. New patients with an eye emergency are also welcome to use this telehealth service. Many times, telehealth exams can be billed to your medical insurance. A cash pay option is also available. To schedule a telehealth exam please call the location of your choice and we will walk you through the process. All you need is a smart phone or computer with a webcam. Please note that comprehensive eye examinations cannot be done via telehealth and that some emergencies may also need to be seen in-person at a Smart Eye Care office.
What Are Common Eye Emergencies?
There are many common eye emergencies to be aware of. Some of these are far more severe than others, but all require the treatment and care of an eye emergency doctor.
- Eye infection: Most people think of “pink eye” when they think of an eye infection. Any form of conjunctivitis should be treated seriously. We treat eye infections for patients of all ages (newborns to grandparents).
- Metal or glass in the eye: If you were involved in a situation in which metal or glass may have gotten into your eye, please call us immediately. The longer the metal/glass sits in the eye, the more damage it can cause.
- Chemicals in the eye: If any chemicals splash into your eye, flush the eye immediately and call us. It is helpful to bring the bottle of the chemical into your appointment so our doctors can best treat you.
- Sports injury to the eye: If you were kneed, elbowed, or had a hard impact in or near your eye, this can be dangerous. Please call us and be seen by an eye care profession to rule out bruising, bleeding, or other damage.
- Contact lens won’t come out: Sometimes, no matter how much you try, your contact lens just won’t come out. Rather than risk scratching your eye, let an eye care professional take care of the removal.
- Car accident vision change: If you were in a car accident, your vision may change. Don’t let this get worse. Get emergency care from an eye care professional right away.
- Constant double vision: If you begin to see two distinct objects in your vision that is not going away, call us immediately.
- Bright streaks of light: If you are seeing bright lights in the corners of your eyes, you could have a retinal tear or detachment. Waiting for evaluation could result in permanent loss of vision.
- Floaters: New floaters or black/gray/clear “specs” in vision can also be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. Waiting for evaluation could also result in permanent vision loss.
- Eye pain: Sudden, intense eye pain could also be indicative of a more serious problem.
- Lack of vision: A sudden lack of vision can potentially be treated if caught early enough. If ignored though, it could possibly become permanent.
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