Your eyes are vital organs that are constantly at work. It would be best to immediately deal with unexpected or sudden changes in your vision or eye discomfort. It will help protect your eyes and preserve your vision. Delaying medical attention for an eye emergency could result in permanent vision loss. Ignoring new symptoms may indicate an underlying undiagnosed eye condition or disease.
 

Changes in Pupil Size

One pupil growing larger than the other or experiencing sudden changes in pupil size could indicate a serious eye emergency. Immediately seek medical help.
 

Sudden Vision Loss

You should get immediate medical help if you suddenly lose your vision. That might signal more severe eye issues, like retinal detachment. This condition develops when the retina separates from its normal position.
 

Redness and Swelling

Numerous factors, such as an infection, damage, or allergies, can result in redness and swelling around the eye. On the other hand, significant redness, swelling, and pain could indicate a serious eye emergency. An example includes a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the eye known as orbital cellulitis.
 

Severe Eye Pain

Many eye conditions commonly manifest as eye pain. Acute angle-closure glaucoma, a sudden and severe rise in eye pressure, is one serious eye emergency. It can harm the optic nerve and result in vision loss. Severe and persistent eye pain may indicate this condition. 
 

Eye Discharge

Eye infections frequently manifest as eye discharge. The discharge could indicate a serious eye emergency, such as endophthalmitis. The condition entails inflammation of the inside of the eye. It is a thick, yellow, or green discharge, often accompanied by redness and swelling.
 

Double Vision

Diplopia, or double vision, can stem from several conditions. These include nerve damage, muscle weakness, and underlying health issues. A stroke or brain injury could cause sudden or severe double vision, a sign of an eye emergency.
 

Flashes of Light

A retinal detachment or other severe eye conditions may cause you to experience light flashes or lightning streaks in your vision. Floaters, tiny specks or dots that float across your vision, may appear along with these flashes.
 

Foreign Object in the Eye

Do not try to take out a foreign object, such as a piece of glass or metal, from your eye on your own. Seek medical help immediately because trying to remove the object on your own could harm your eye more.
 

Eye Trauma

Any eye trauma, including a penetrating wound or blow to the head, is a serious eye emergency that needs expert treatment. Seek medical help right away because early intervention can stop permanent vision loss.
 

Chemical Exposure

Severe eye damage can result from chemical exposure. You should immediately flush your eyes with water after handling a chemical, such as a cleaning product or pesticide, and seek medical attention.
 

Conclusion

Unexpected eye emergencies can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure how to react. Although specific symptoms of severe eye conditions may appear minor, they can jeopardize your eye health. Understanding when to seek emergency care when experiencing any signs is crucial.
 

For more on eye emergencies, visit Montebello Optometry at our Montebello, California office. Call (323) 888-9111 to schedule an appointment today.