What Is Considered an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency involves any sudden or severe issue that affects your eyes or vision and requires immediate attention. Common eye emergencies include: Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eye from an accident, such as getting hit or having a foreign object lodged in the eye. Sudden Vision Loss: A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Flashes and Floaters: Seeing flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters could indicate a retinal detachment, which requires immediate care. Eye Infections: Symptoms of severe eye infections, such as redness, swelling, discharge, and pain, should be addressed quickly to prevent complications. Chemical Burns: If chemicals or harmful substances come into contact with your eyes, rinse your eyes immediately and seek emergency care. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay—seek immediate attention to protect your vision.

Common Eye Emergencies We Treat

At Victoria Village Optometry, our emergency eye care services cover a range of urgent conditions, including: Corneal Abrasions: Scratches on the surface of the eye can cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Treatment is necessary to prevent infection. Foreign Object in the Eye: If something becomes lodged in your eye, it can cause irritation or even damage to the cornea. We can safely remove the object and treat any damage. Retinal Detachment: A medical emergency where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, leading to vision loss if not treated immediately. Acute Glaucoma Attack: A sudden increase in eye pressure can cause severe eye pain, blurred vision, and headaches. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Eye Infections: Severe infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis (corneal inflammation) need to be treated to prevent further damage. Our optometrists are experienced in handling these and other urgent eye conditions, providing quick and effective treatment to protect your vision.

What to Expect During an Emergency Eye Exam

When you come to Victoria Village Optometry for emergency eye care, our priority is to assess and treat your condition as quickly as possible. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

  1. Initial Assessment: We will ask about your symptoms and any events that may have caused the issue (e.g., injury, foreign object, chemical exposure).
  2. Eye Examination: Our optometrists will perform a thorough examination using specialized tools to check for injuries, infections, or signs of serious conditions.
  3. Treatment Plan: Depending on the diagnosis, we may provide treatments such as removing foreign objects, prescribing medications (e.g., antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drops), or referring you to a specialist for more advanced care.

Our goal is to relieve your symptoms and prevent further complications.

When to Seek Emergency Eye Care

You should seek emergency eye care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Sudden or severe vision loss.
  • Sudden onset of flashes of light or floaters.
  • Severe eye pain or discomfort.
  • Redness, swelling, or discharge that could indicate an infection.
  • A foreign object stuck in your eye.
  • Trauma to the eye, including cuts, scratches, or blunt force injury.
  • Exposure to chemicals or harmful substances.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Contact us, and we’ll advise you on the next steps.

How to Prevent Eye Emergencies

While not all eye emergencies can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury or infection:

  • Wear Protective Eyewear: If you’re working with tools, chemicals, or engaging in sports, always wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from injury.
  • Handle Chemicals with Care: Use protective eyewear when handling cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals that could splash into your eyes.
  • Wash Hands Regularly: To avoid eye infections, wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses.
  • Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing your eyes can introduce bacteria or cause injury, especially if you have a foreign object in your eye.

By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of eye emergencies and keep your eyes healthy.

Book an appointment

At Victoria Village Optometry, we’re here for you when urgent eye problems arise. If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, don’t wait—call us immediately for same-day care. Our experienced team is ready to provide prompt and effective treatment to protect your vision.

Address

1315 Lawrence Avenue East, Unit 513, Toronto, ON, M3A 3R3, Canada