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When Should You Go to Urgent Care for Eye Issues?

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A woman having her eyes examined with a slit lamp at the eye doctor.

Taking care of your eyes should always be a top health priority. But what should you do if you or a loved one are experiencing discomfort, changes in vision, or unusual symptoms? Sometimes, it might be obvious that an emergency is happening and you need urgent medical attention, but other times, it can be harder to know. 

If you experience sudden vision changes, intense discomfort, eye trauma, or symptoms like redness, swelling, or discharge that aren’t getting better with basic care, you should go to urgent care for eye issues.

At Total Vision Bonita, our friendly staff and doctors are happy to book you an appointment to learn more about your ocular health. 

Why Should You Not Ignore Eye Health

Your eyes are delicate, vulnerable to trauma, infection, and chronic conditions that can cause discomfort if left unchecked. Acting proactively for eye issues leads to better recovery outcomes and eye health. 

Eye health can be particularly vulnerable for both older adults and young children. For older adults, diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration are more common, while children are susceptible to injuries during play or school activities. If you’re experiencing eye discomfort, err on the side of caution and seek medical assistance by booking an ocular appointment. 

Common Eye Symptoms to Watch Out For 

While an itchy or red eye might appear harmless, it can develop into a more serious concern if left untreated. Here are a few symptoms to look out for when deciding to go to urgent eye care:

Sudden Changes in Vision 

If you or a loved one experiences sudden vision changes, such as blurry, double, or dimmed vision, it could indicate a condition such as retinal detachment. 

Severe Discomfort in the Eye

If you or a loved one are experiencing strong eye discomfort, it could indicate a condition such as glaucoma or an infection, both of which require proper treatment. 

Foreign Objects or Debris in the Eye

Anything from sand and glass shards to wood chips can affect the eye if it gets in. If flushing out the debris doesn’t resolve the issue, then it is time to seek professional help. 

Types of Eye Diseases That Might Require Urgent Care

Several conditions can create symptoms requiring urgent and immediate medical attention. Here are some to keep in mind when evaluating you or your loved one’s eye health.

Conjunctivitis 

In many cases, pink eye is a mild bacterial infection. However, not treated promptly with proper antibiotics can lead to more significant complications. 

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

  • Redness
  • Watering eyes
  • Itching or scratchiness
  • Pus stuck to your eyelashes

Uveitis 

An inflammation of the middle eye tissue and uveitis can lead to discomfort, sensitivity to light, and even vision loss. Often, it is linked to an underlying autoimmune condition and should be evaluated right away. 

Symptoms of Uveitis include:

  • Eye redness
  • Eye discomfort
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Dark, floating spots in your field of vision

Corneal Abrasion

Generally, a scratch on the cornea happens from injury, but leaving it untreated can lead to an infection. If you suspect an abrasion, an eye doctor’s examination is a safer way of ensuring your eye is in good health. 

Symptoms of Corneal Abrasion include:

  • Eye pain
  • The feeling of something being in your eye 
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light 
  • Swollen eye or eyelids 
A man sitting on the couch with a laptop on his lap, holding his glasses in one hand and rubbing his eyes with the other hand.

What to Expect at Urgent Care for Eye Issues 

If you’ve never sought urgent care for eye problems, you might be unsure what’s involved. Here’s what you can expect.

  1. Quick assessment: At urgent care, eye doctors perform a thorough examination, often including vision tests, light assessments, and dye tests to identify any eye issues.
  2. Stabilization and treatment: For injuries or infections, an eye doctor will likely clean the wounds, flush any chemicals, or administer antibiotics. If needed, they may bandage the eye or recommend pain relief.  
  3. Referral to specialists: Urgent care can facilitate a referral to an ophthalmologist to treat complex cases further. 

Knowing what to anticipate during a visit can ease any hesitation in seeking help. 

Tips for Protecting Your Eye Health

Great prevention habits are the first step to keeping your eyes in good shape. Here are some ways you and your loved ones can keep your eye health in check: 

Regular Eye Exams

Regardless of age, schedule annual or biannual visits to an optometrist to ensure your eyes stay healthy. These routine exams can detect early signs of eye diseases before they progress into more serious conditions.

Safety First 

Wearing protective eyewear when participating in activities that pose risks to your eyes, such as sports for children or home improvement tasks for adults, can be a great preventative measure. 

Healthy Diet

A diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and zinc helps maintain good eye health. Incorporate foods such as fish, leafy greens, and citrus fruits to give your eyes the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy.

By taking preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of encountering emergencies.

Schedule a Visit

If you or a loved one have concerns about your eye health, please book an appointment with Total Vision Bonita; our friendly staff and optometrists will be happy to help!

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Written by Total Vision

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