Eye Emergencies We Treat Immediately
The following conditions and symptoms are considered eye emergencies at Vantage Eye Center. If you experience any of these symptoms, please call us immediately. If after hours, please call 911.
Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. This condition is painless but grave. Without prompt treatment, a detached retina can lead to permanent vision loss.
Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include a dark shadow or curtain over part of your vision, sudden vision loss, flashes of light, or a sudden increase in floaters. Retinal detachment is a true medical emergency. Immediate treatment is essential to preserve vision.
Retinal Tear
A retinal tear is a small rip or hole in the retina that can progress to a full detachment if left untreated. Symptoms commonly include flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters. Some patients may notice blurry vision or what appears to be hundreds of new floaters caused by bleeding inside the eye.
Although a retinal tear may not cause pain, it requires urgent treatment, often with laser or freezing therapy, to prevent permanent vision loss. Flashes or clusters of new floaters should never be ignored.
New Onset of Floaters or “Spider Webs” in Vision
New floaters are often described as spider webs or cobweb-like strands that drift through the vision. While a few small floaters that develop gradually can be harmless, a sudden shower of floaters or a large web-like shape appearing suddenly is concerning.
This can indicate that the vitreous gel inside the eye is pulling on the retina or has caused a retinal tear. Sudden floaters, especially when combined with flashes of light or any shadow in vision, require same-day evaluation.
Flashes of Light
Flashes of light, sometimes described as lightning streaks or camera flashes, can indicate traction or irritation of the retina. New or recurring flashes are a significant warning sign, particularly when they occur alongside floaters or changes in vision.
Left untreated, retinal traction can progress to a tear and then to a detachment. Early evaluation enables timely treatment before significant damage occurs.
Sudden Loss of Vision
Any sudden loss of vision, whether partial or complete, is an eye emergency. Vision loss may occur over seconds, minutes, or days and may affect one or both eyes.
Possible causes include retinal detachment, retinal blood vessel blockages, bleeding inside the eye, acute glaucoma, or neurological conditions. Regardless of the cause, immediate evaluation is essential. Rapid treatment offers the best chance to restore or preserve vision.
Severe Eye Pain
Severe, sudden, or worsening eye pain is a serious warning sign. While mild discomfort can occur with dry eye or eye strain, intense pain may indicate acute glaucoma, corneal infection, severe inflammation, or eye injury.
Eye pain accompanied by nausea, headache, vomiting, redness, light sensitivity, or changes in vision should never be ignored. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent permanent damage.
Unusual or Alarming Symptoms After Eye Surgery
Patients who have recently undergone eye surgery should closely monitor for any abnormal symptoms. Warning signs include worsening eye pain, sudden vision decline, increasing redness, extreme light sensitivity, or discharge from the eye.
These symptoms may indicate infection or other serious complications. Any concerning post-surgical symptoms are considered an emergency and should be evaluated immediately. When in doubt, it is always safer to seek urgent care.
