Emergency Eye Care
Emergency eye care includes diagnosis and potential treatment or referral for new or emerging eye conditions. An emergency refers to any sudden onset of symptoms or obvious eye trauma that can affect vision.
This involves but is not limited to:
- Red eye
- Eye trauma
- Corneal foreign body
- Chemical splash to the eye
- Folded or misplaced contact lenses
- Black eye
- Double vision
- Eyelid bump or swelling
- New flashes and floaters in the eye
- Eye infection
- Foreign body removal
- Sudden loss of vision
What should I do if I have an eye emergency?
If you have an eye emergency, it is critical to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. Call or text our office (312) 525-9621 with a description of your symptoms, and we will do our best to accommodate you on the same or next day. To best treat your condition, please be ready to provide a thorough explanation of your condition and potential causes. Prior to your visit, you will want to take all necessary precautions to protect the affected eye(s).
- Remove your contact lenses if applicable
- If you suspect a chemical splash or foreign body is in the eye, it is recommended to gently flush the eye with sterile saline or cool water for fifteen minutes
- Shield the affected eye(s) with protective glasses
- Keep the eye closed if in pain
- Minimize exposure to direct sunlight with UV protection if sensitive
- If possible, arrange for a driver to bring you to your doctor’s visit
