Emergencies

Is it an emergency?

If you think you have an emergency, it is best to trust your instinct and get immediate help.

Here are some common situations that should be considered urgent:

• Eye infections
• Foreign objects in the eye, such as small shards of glass or metal
• Cuts or punctures of the eye or eyelid
• Chemical exposure causing pain or vision problems
• Sudden vision loss or change in your vision
• Scratches caused by foreign objects
• Sudden onset of floaters or flashes of light

Emergency Considerations for Lens Wearers

If you are wearing contact lenses when an injury or chemical exposure occurs, the priority is to irrigate the eye immediately. In many emergency scenarios, the contact lenses should be removed as soon as possible to prevent trapped chemicals or bacteria from causing further damage to the corneal surface. However, if the eye is severely swollen or you suspect a puncture, it is best to leave the contact lenses in place and let a professional handle the removal to avoid further trauma. Once the emergency is resolved, we will work with you to determine when it is safe to resume lens wear.