Emergency

Eye problems can happen suddenly and may require immediate professional attention. Our clinic provides prompt emergency eye care for patients experiencing urgent vision or eye health issues. If you have a sudden change in vision, eye pain, injury, or signs of infection, it is important to be evaluated as soon as possible to protect your sight.

At NorthWest Eye Doctors, our optometrists use advanced diagnostic technology—including retinal imaging, OCT scans, and visual field testing—to quickly assess urgent eye conditions and determine the appropriate treatment or referral if needed.

If you believe you are experiencing an eye emergency, please call our office immediately so we can arrange a same-day appointment whenever possible.

Symptoms That Require Urgent Eye Care

Seek immediate eye care if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden loss or decrease in vision

• Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters

• Severe eye pain or pressure

• Eye injury or trauma

• Chemical exposure to the eye

• Red, swollen, or painful eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Foreign object in the eye

• Sudden double vision

• Persistent eye discharge or infection symptoms

These symptoms can be signs of serious eye conditions that require prompt evaluation.

Common Eye Emergencies We Treat

Our clinic regularly evaluates and manages a variety of urgent eye conditions, including:

• Corneal abrasions (scratched cornea)

• Eye infections such as conjunctivitis or keratitis

• Sudden onset of floaters or flashes

• Dry eye flare-ups causing severe discomfort

• Contact lens related complications

• Eye inflammation (uveitis or iritis)

• Foreign bodies in the eye

• Sudden blurry or distorted vision

If a condition requires specialized medical or surgical care, we will coordinate referral to an ophthalmologist promptly.

What To Do in an Eye Emergency

If you experience an eye injury or sudden symptoms:

1. Do not rub your eye.

2. Remove contact lenses if possible.

3. Avoid applying pressure to the eye.

4. Rinse immediately with clean water if chemicals are involved.

5. Call our clinic right away for urgent guidance.

Prompt care can prevent complications and protect your vision.

Same-Day Emergency Eye Appointments

We understand that eye emergencies can happen without warning. Our clinic makes every effort to provide same-day emergency eye examinations whenever possible.

If you are experiencing urgent symptoms, contact our office immediately so we can assist you as quickly as possible.

Protecting Your Vision

Many eye emergencies can progress quickly if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserve vision and prevent long-term complications.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are urgent, it is always safest to seek professional evaluation.