Eye Emergency
Protect Your Vision: Emergency Consultations Available
Eye emergencies can occur suddenly and require immediate attention to prevent irreversible vision loss. Whether you’re experiencing severe pain or a sudden decrease in vision, it’s essential to act quickly and seek prompt consultation.
Our team of experienced optometrists is ready to assist you in case of need.
Examples of situations that may require emergency consultation:
Foreign body in the eye
Unusual redness or swelling
Sudden eye pain
Flashes of light or appearance of floaters
Eye infection
Eye injuries
Exposure to chemicals
Conjunctivitis
Double vision
Stye and chalazion
We are committed to offering emergency appointments as quickly as possible. Contact us now!
Emergency Fees
Emergency examinations performed by the optometrist are covered for all insured individuals in cases of sudden eye conditions. However, fees ranging from $60 to $120 apply for additional services not covered, such as management and treatment of the eye condition, as well as additional tests necessary for diagnosis.
An urgent consultation is required in the following cases:
Flashes of light or appearance of floaters
New floaters accompanied by flashes may indicate a retinal problem such as retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage. Although they can sometimes be benign, their sudden appearance requires prompt medical consultation. The optometrist will perform an examination with pupil dilation and use imaging techniques, such as OCT (optical coherence tomography), to assess the integrity of the retina.
Double vision
This can be caused by problems with eye muscles, nerves, or the brain, and may indicate serious neurological or ocular disorders. The optometrist will evaluate diplopia through an examination of the eye muscles and a refraction test to identify the cause (muscle dysfunction, nerve issues, or underlying pathology). They may prescribe prisms to improve vision, recommend eye exercises, or refer to a specialist for further examinations if neurological problems are suspected. Follow-up is essential to adjust treatments based on progression.
Sudden and intense eye pain
Acute eye pain can be a sign of a serious condition, such as acute glaucoma, corneal ulceration, or severe eye inflammation. Any eye pain should be examined promptly, especially if accompanied by blurred vision or redness, to prevent irreversible damage. The optometrist will conduct a thorough eye examination, including measuring intraocular pressure.
Stye and Chalazion
A stye is an infection of the eyelid glands that manifests as a red, painful bump, sometimes filled with pus. Appropriate treatment is essential to avoid complications, such as orbital cellulitis. Depending on the severity, the optometrist may recommend a warm compress, eye drops, specialized wipes, and sometimes prescribe an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory. To accelerate healing and prevent recurrences, in-office drainage techniques, such as low-level light therapy (LLLT) and intense pulsed light (IPL), can be employed to unblock the affected gland, reducing the need for surgery.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or untreated dry eye. Symptoms include redness, itching, pain, and sometimes discharge. The optometrist can identify the type of conjunctivitis and propose appropriate treatment to quickly relieve symptoms. In adults, most conjunctivitis cases are not bacterial and therefore do not require treatment with over-the-counter antibiotics. Other conditions can mimic conjunctivitis symptoms, such as keratitis, uveitis, or the presence of a foreign body. Some of these conditions can be serious; therefore, any red eye should be examined by an optometrist within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset.
Red eye
Red eye is a common symptom that can be caused by various conditions, ranging from simple eye fatigue to more serious disorders. In some cases, red eye may be associated with pain, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light, indicating more severe issues like keratitis or uveitis.