When should you come in for an eye emergency?

As a general rule: when in doubt, get it checked out.

Here are the most common eye emergencies that require prompt medical attention:

Sudden Vision Changes

• Sudden loss of vision (partial or complete) in one or both eyes

• New onset of flashing lights or a large increase in floaters or feeling of a curtain or shadow crossing over your vision. This could be a sign of retinal detachment.

• Double vision that comes on suddenly

Trauma & Injury

• Foreign object in the eye (metal, glass, wood, etc.)

• Chemical burn (acid or alkali) — flush immediately and seek care

• Blunt force trauma to the eye

• Laceration to the eye or eyelid

Severe Pain & Infection

• Severe eye pain that is accompanied by nausea or vomiting. This can indicate acute angle closure glaucoma that require urgent intervention

• Severe redness with copious discharge that could indicate an infection

Call us at 240-873-0009 if you experience any of the above symptoms or go to the nearest emergency room with on-call ophthalmology coverage