Guide
Eye emergencies: when to go now
Which eye symptoms need emergency care today, and first aid for chemical splashes, blows, cuts and objects in the eye.
Get help the same day if you have
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, even if it comes back
- Flashes, a sudden shower of floaters, or a curtain over your vision
- A chemical splash in the eye
- A cut, puncture or object stuck in the eye
- Severe eye pain, especially with a red eye, halos, headache or nausea
- New double vision or a sudden eye turn
Call an eye doctor now or go to an emergency department. Eye emergencies guide
If someone has sudden vision loss with stroke signs
Sudden vision loss together with facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech or confusion can be a stroke. Call emergency services immediately.
First aid by situation
| Situation | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical splash | Flush the eye with clean lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, holding the lids open, then get emergency care | Don’t rub, and don’t try to neutralize the chemical |
| Blow to the eye | Apply a cold compress gently; get checked if vision changes, the eye bleeds, or you see floaters | Don’t press on the eye |
| Cut or puncture | Cover with a rigid shield and go to emergency | Don’t remove a stuck object, rinse, or press |
| Dust or grit | Blink, lift the upper lid over the lower, rinse with water or saline | Don’t rub or use tweezers |
| Painful red eye in a contact lens wearer | Remove the lens, see an eye doctor today | Don’t put the lens back in |
Symptoms that should never wait
Some eye problems can cause permanent vision loss within hours or days. A retinal detachment, acute angle-closure glaucoma, a serious corneal infection and a blocked blood vessel in the retina are all treatable, but only if seen quickly. If in doubt, get checked today.
Prevention
- Wear safety glasses for DIY, yard work and chemical cleaners
- Use polycarbonate sports eyewear for racquet and ball sports
- Leave fireworks to professionals
- Keep laser pointers away from children
- Store household chemicals out of reach and point spray nozzles away from faces
Watch
Questions people ask
Should I go to the emergency room or an eye doctor?
For chemical injuries, penetrating injuries, or vision loss with weakness or confusion, go to the emergency department or call emergency services. For other urgent symptoms, an eye doctor may see you the same day; call first.
Should I put a patch on an injured eye?
Do not press on it. For a cut or puncture, tape a rigid shield, such as the bottom of a paper cup, over the eye and get emergency care.