Eye Emergencies

For true emergencies like sudden vision loss, severe trauma, or chemical burns, seek care immediately. Time is critical for preserving vision in many eye emergencies. Contact our office right away or go to the nearest emergency room if we are not available.

For severe trauma, chemical burns, or sudden complete vision loss, go directly to the emergency room. For other urgent eye problems during business hours, call ReFocus Eye Health Manchester first. We can often see emergency patients the same day and provide specialized eye care.

For small particles, try flushing your eye gently with clean water or saline solution. If the object does not come out easily or if it is embedded in your eye, do not try to remove it yourself. Cover your eye and seek immediate medical care from our ophthalmologists.

Yes, many eye emergencies can result in permanent vision loss if not treated quickly and properly. Conditions like retinal detachment, acute glaucoma, and severe infections can cause irreversible damage. This is why immediate care is so important for preserving your sight.

A red eye can be a sign of several conditions, some of which may require treatment. If your red eye is accompanied by pain, vision changes, thick discharge, or does not improve within a day, you should seek care right away. Sudden redness with severe pain may indicate a serious condition.

Most insurance plans cover emergency eye care, but coverage may vary depending on your specific plan and the type of treatment needed. Contact your insurance company to understand your coverage, and our staff can help verify your benefits and work with your insurance provider.

ReFocus Eye Health Manchester provides emergency contact information for after-hours urgent eye care. For severe emergencies, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Our ophthalmologists work with local hospitals to ensure you receive appropriate emergency eye care when needed.

Wear appropriate safety eyewear during work, sports, and home activities that pose eye injury risks. Follow proper contact lens hygiene, store chemicals safely, and have regular eye exams to detect problems early. Many eye emergencies can be prevented with proper precautions and awareness.

Bring your insurance cards, a list of current medications, and any eyeglasses or contact lenses you normally wear. If you have previous eye records or test results, bring those as well. Having someone drive you is important, as your vision may be affected or you may receive treatments that temporarily blur your sight.

Serious eye emergencies may include sudden vision loss, severe pain that does not go away, swelling around the eye, injury from trauma, or chemical burns. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not wait to see if they improve on their own. Seek immediate medical attention to protect your vision.

It is best to have someone else drive you to an emergency eye appointment. Your vision may be affected by the emergency, or you may receive treatments like dilating drops that temporarily blur your sight. Having a driver ensures your safety and allows you to focus on your eye care.

Emergency eye care is needed for conditions that threaten immediate vision loss or require treatment within hours, like retinal detachment or chemical burns. Urgent care is for serious problems that need attention within a day or two, like new floaters or persistent pain. When in doubt, call our office for guidance.

Severe eye pain that comes on suddenly, especially with nausea, vomiting, or vision changes, may indicate a serious condition like acute glaucoma. Mild discomfort or irritation is usually less urgent. If your pain is severe, getting worse, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek immediate care.

Any eye injury in a child should be evaluated promptly, even if it seems minor. Children may not be able to describe their symptoms clearly, so watch for signs like excessive rubbing, squinting, or avoiding light. Cover the injured eye gently and seek immediate medical care.

Do not use over-the-counter eye drops during an eye emergency unless specifically told to by a medical professional. Some drops can make certain conditions worse or interfere with treatment. It is better to seek professional care first to determine the appropriate treatment.

The time window varies greatly depending on the condition. Central retinal artery occlusion requires treatment within 90 minutes for any chance of vision recovery. Retinal detachment should be treated within hours to days. Chemical burns need immediate flushing and prompt medical care. When in doubt, seek care immediately.

Emergency eye surgery varies depending on the condition being treated. Procedures may include reattaching a detached retina, removing foreign objects, or repairing injuries. Our ophthalmologists will explain the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes before surgery. Most emergency eye surgeries are performed under local anesthesia.