Your eyes are very important. They help you see the world around you. Sometimes, you can experience various eye problems. Most of the time, these problems are minor and go away without treatment.
 

But sometimes, they can be severe, threatening your vision. It is important to know when an eye problem is an emergency. This guide will help you understand when to see a doctor immediately.
 

Changes in Your Vision

Sometimes, your vision might change suddenly. This can be a sign of a serious problem. If you notice your vision getting blurry very quickly, you should see a doctor. If you start seeing double, that is not normal, and you should get help.
 

If you lose part or all of your vision in one or both eyes, that is a serious issue requiring urgent treatment. Sometimes, people see flashes of light. If this happens too often, especially if your vision changes, too, you should seek prompt diagnosis and treatment.
 

Eye Pain

Eye pain can be mild or severe. If your eye hurts so much that you cannot do normal things, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. If you feel a sudden sharp pain in your eye, that could mean something is wrong, so you should get help.
 

If your eye is red and painful, that could mean it is infected or inflamed. You should see an eye doctor to determine the cause.
 

Red Eyes

Sometimes, your eyes can appear unusually red. This is often not serious. But if your eye is red and hurts, or something is coming out of it, you should see a doctor.
 

If only one eye is red for a long time, that is not normal. If your eye is red and feels like something is stuck in it, do not rub it; instead, seek medical help.
 

Eye Injuries

If your eye gets hurt, it can be an eye emergency. If something cuts or scratches the front of your eye, you need to see a doctor. If you get a chemical compound in your eye, wash your eye with clean water for 15 minutes, then get medical help immediately.
 

If something hits your eye hard, see a doctor, even if it does not seem too bad. There could be damage inside your eye that you cannot see.
 

Where to Go for Help

If you have a severe eye problem and cannot see your regular doctor, you have options. You can go to an urgent care center. Some eye doctors, called optometrists, offer emergency care. Eye specialists, called ophthalmologists, are the best for eye emergencies.
 

Keeping Your Eyes Healthy

You can do things to help keep your eyes healthy, including:

• Visit an eye doctor regularly for checkups. This helps find problems early.
• Wash your hands before touching your eyes, and take off eye makeup gently before you sleep.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
• Eat healthy food and get enough sleep.

Your eyes are crucial. It is good to know when an eye problem is an emergency. If you are not sure, it is better to be safe and get your eyes examined. Remember, getting help quickly for severe eye problems can help prevent lasting damage to your eyes and vision.
 

For more on eye emergencies, visit Eye Focus Northwest at our Salem or Tigard, Oregon, offices. Call (971) 808-2640 or (971) 202-1932 to schedule an appointment today.
 

https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-emergencies

https://www.aao.org/young-ophthalmologists/yo-info/article/top-10-eye-emergencies