Emergency Eye Care | Prescott Valley Eye Care, P.C.

Urgent Care for Eye Injuries and Sudden Vision Changes

Eye emergencies encompass a wide range of situations, from physical accidents and injuries to medical concerns like eye infections. Sudden-onset symptoms of eye diseases also require immediate attention. Pay attention to:

Sudden vision loss
Severe eye pain
Trauma or injury to the eye
Floater and spots or flashes or light
Chemical exposure
Foreign objects, including dust or sand

Anytime you notice a sudden change to your vision or experience physical trauma to the eye, it is important to visit an eye doctor for an evaluation.

If you are experiencing an eye emergency during our business hours, please call our office immediately for guidance on your next steps. For emergencies occurring outside of our regular hours, please visit your nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

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Symptoms of an Eye Emergency

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly to protect your vision:

Bulging of the eye
Sudden loss of vision or decreased vision in one or both eyes
New onset of flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
Severe eye pain or physical trauma to the eye
A “curtain” or shadow moving across your field of vision
Foreign objects stuck in the eye or a chemical splash
Sudden double vision
Blood in the white part of the eye or coming from the eye
Unusual pupil size or shape
Severe swelling, redness, or discharge

What to Do in Case of an Eye Injury

Proper first aid can be critical before you reach a medical professional. Following the instructions below can help protect your eyes and vision:

In the case of a chemical splash, flush the eye with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately.
If a small foreign object gets stuck in your eye, like dust or sand, try blinking to clear it, but do not rub the eye
If a larger object is embedded in the eye, do not attempt to remove it; instead, loosely shield the eye with gauze and seek medical attention

Important things to avoid during an eye emergency:

Do not apply pressure or rub your eye. This can worsen a scratch or push a foreign object deeper into your eye.
Do not use tweezers or cotton swabs on the eye surface
Do not apply any medications or ointments without the advice of your optometrist or an emergency room physician

How to Prevent Eye Injuries

While eye emergencies can happen anywhere, you can take simple steps to reduce the likelihood of an injury.

Always wear proper eye protection, such as safety goggles, when using power tools, performing yard work, or participating in high-risk sports. This can prevent dust and dirt from getting in your eye, as well as protect your eye from possible harm due to equipment error or impact.

Carefully follow all directions and safety warnings when working with harsh chemicals or household cleaning supplies. Wear eye protection when recommended.

Store sharp instruments like scissors and knives out of the reach of young children, and take extra care when applying makeup or using cosmetic tools near the eye area.

Professional Evaluation for Peace of Mind

Seeking prompt care from an optometrist is the most effective way to treat eye emergencies or rule out serious, sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment or acute angle-closure glaucoma.

During business hours, our team works to see emergency cases as quickly as possible, which can save you the long wait times often found in hospital emergency departments. We are here to provide the specialized assessment needed to manage eye trauma and sudden infections.

If you are experiencing an eye emergency, please call our practice immediately for instructions. If we are closed, proceed directly to the nearest hospital or urgent care center.

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