What Is Considered an Eye Emergency? When to Seek Immediate Care

Your vision is precious, and when something doesn’t feel right with your eyes, it can be unsettling. Some eye issues are minor and can wait for a regular appointment, but others require immediate attention. Knowing the difference could save your vision. At Fulshear Eye Center, we want our neighbors in Katy and the surrounding areas to feel confident in recognizing an eye emergency and knowing when to seek professional care.

Sudden Vision Loss or Changes

If your vision suddenly becomes blurry, distorted, or you lose vision in one or both eyes, it’s critical to seek urgent care. Conditions like retinal detachment, a stroke, or a severe eye infection could be responsible, and acting fast could preserve your sight. Retinal detachment, for instance, can progress quickly, leading to permanent blindness if not treated immediately. If you experience a sudden "curtain" coming over your vision, flashes of light, or a significant increase in floaters, don’t dismiss these symptoms.

Eye Trauma or Injury

Accidents happen—whether it’s a sports injury, a fall, or something striking your eye while working on a home project. If you experience eye pain, swelling, bleeding, or double vision after an injury, don’t wait it out. Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, orbital fractures, or detached retinas, while penetrating injuries from sharp objects like glass or metal can lead to permanent scarring or loss of the eye if not treated immediately. Even if the injury doesn’t seem severe at first, complications like infections or increased intraocular pressure can develop later, putting your vision at risk. If you’ve been hit in the eye or sustained any type of eye trauma, seek immediate medical attention to rule out serious complications.

Foreign Object in the Eye

If metal, glass, wood splinters, chemicals, or other foreign materials get into your eye, avoid rubbing it and seek emergency care. Rubbing the eye can embed particles deeper into the cornea, making removal more difficult and increasing the risk of scratches or infections. Some substances, like chemicals or cleaning agents, require immediate flushing with clean water for at least 15 minutes before heading to a doctor. If the foreign object is lodged in your eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself—seek professional care immediately.

Redness, Swelling, or Discharge

While mild eye irritation can be due to allergies or minor irritants, severe redness, swelling, or thick discharge may indicate a serious infection, corneal ulcer, or inflammatory condition. Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), for example, can cause yellow or green discharge and extreme discomfort, requiring prescription antibiotic eye drops. 

More severe infections like keratitis—often linked to improper contact lens use—can lead to permanent corneal damage and scarring if left untreated. Swelling around the eye could also be a sign of orbital cellulitis, a dangerous bacterial infection that can spread quickly. If your symptoms worsen, spread to surrounding areas, or cause difficulty opening your eyes, seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent complications.

How to Prevent Eye Emergencies

While some eye emergencies are unavoidable, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk. Wearing protective eyewear during sports, home projects, and work can help prevent injuries, while good eye hygiene—like washing hands before handling contact lenses—reduces the risk of infections. Be cautious with household chemicals and cleaning products, as splashes can cause serious eye burns. Most importantly, regular eye exams are key to early detection of vision-threatening conditions before they turn into emergencies.

Where to Go for Eye Emergencies in Katy

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. At Fulshear Eye Center, we provide emergency eye care for patients in Katy and the surrounding communities. If you're unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, call us—we’ll guide you on the next steps.

If you or a loved one experiences an eye emergency, contact Fulshear Eye Center for personalized treatment. Visit our office in Katy, Texas, or call (832) 571-2020 for further guidance.