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Home > Our Services > Emergency Eye Care
Emergency Eye Support From Specialists You Can Trust

We offer emergency services that require immediate and urgent eye care. If your eye is injured, don’t try to judge its severity. Immediately seek the opinion of an eye care provider to lessen the risk of hurting your vision. We understand ocular emergencies can arise at any time, which is why our eye clinic in Elmhurst, New York, is prepared to provide prompt, expert attention when you need it most.

When to Seek Help: Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored

Symptoms that require an Emergency Eye Doctor include, but are not limited to:

person with emergency eye problem
  • Sudden loss of vision
  • Sudden double vision
  • Sudden red/painful eye
  • Pain that worsens with eye movement
  • New onset flashes and/or floaters
  • Foreign body in the eye (especially metal or chemicals)
  • Dislodged contact lens
  • Scratched eyes
  • Eye trauma
  • Chemical eye injury

Things NOT to do while waiting for professional medical assistance:

  • DO NOT press on an injured eye or allow the victim to rub the eye(s).
  • DO NOT attempt to remove a foreign body that is resting on the cornea (the clear surface of the eye through which we see) or that appears to be embedded in any part of the eye.
  • DO NOT use dry cotton (including cotton swabs) or sharp instruments (such as tweezers) on the eye.
  • DO NOT attempt to remove an embedded object.

It’s also best to skip using ointments or eye medications. Instead of self-care, see a doctor at Visual Ophthalmology Ridgewood or the Corona office.

Why Immediate Care Is Critical

Emergencies affecting the eyes are time-sensitive and must be addressed by trained professionals. Whether it’s an accidental injury or a sudden medical condition, early intervention can prevent complications. Eye trauma, infections, or sudden changes in vision demand expert evaluation and treatment. Timely care can minimize risks such as infection spread or retinal damage. Urgent attention from an ophthalmology clinic is essential for preserving sight.

Common Situations That Require Urgent Eye Care
There are several scenarios in which immediate eye care becomes necessary. These include chemical burns, penetrating injuries, or the sudden onset of vision loss. Infections like conjunctivitis may escalate if left untreated. Foreign objects in the eye or retinal detachment symptoms are also classified as emergencies. Identifying the signs early and seeking care quickly can make a significant difference in recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency eye care addresses urgent eye problems that need immediate medical attention. Below are common questions people ask about emergency vision services:

What are the signs that indicate an eye emergency?
Sudden vision changes, severe pain, eye bleeding, or visible trauma may indicate an emergency. Other signs include light sensitivity, chemical exposure, or swelling.
Can minor eye injuries be treated at home?
Some minor irritations may resolve with rest or rinsing, but it’s safer to have any eye injury evaluated by a professional to avoid complications.
Is sudden blurry vision always an emergency?
Blurry vision that appears suddenly can signal a serious issue like retinal detachment or stroke-related symptoms and should be evaluated promptly.
What should be done if a chemical enters the eye?
Rinse the eye immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek emergency medical attention right after rinsing.
Can emergency eye conditions lead to permanent damage?
Yes, delaying treatment in cases like eye trauma, infections, or retinal issues can result in permanent vision loss or other long-term complications.
Are emergency eye services available after hours?
Many ophthalmology clinics have protocols for after-hours emergencies or work closely with hospitals to ensure continuous care availability.
How is a foreign object in the eye handled during emergencies?
Eye professionals will assess the object’s depth and safely remove it using sterile tools, followed by treatment to prevent infection or scarring.

Your Eyes Deserve Dedicated Attention
Protect your vision with expert care—schedule your comprehensive eye exam today! Book an appointment now and see the world more clearly.