Urgent Care

Common Symptoms of Urgent Eye Problems

• Severe Eye Pain or Vision Loss: If you experience severe pain in your eye or sudden loss of vision, it may be a sign of a serious condition such as a retinal detachment or acute glaucoma. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary to prevent permanent damage.
• Sudden Double Vision: Experiencing sudden double vision, especially accompanied by headaches or dizziness, could indicate a neurological issue or a problem with the eye muscles. Seek prompt medical attention to determine the underlying cause.
• Eye Swelling: Excessive redness, swelling, or tenderness around the eye can signal an infection such as conjunctivitis or a more serious condition like cellulitis. It’s important to get a professional diagnosis to receive appropriate treatment.
• New Onset Floaters or Flashing Lights: The sudden appearance of floaters or flashing lights, particularly if accompanied by a shadow or curtain effect in your vision, might be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment. An eye specialist should evaluate these symptoms urgently.
• ​​​​​​​Foreign Object in Eye: If you have the persistent sensation of something being in your eye, it could be due to a foreign object or debris. Do not rub your eye; instead, try to flush it with distilled water, filtered water or saline. If the sensation persists or discomfort continues, seek medical help.
• Discharge: Unusual discharge from the eye, particularly if it is brown or accompanied by redness, swelling, or pain, may indicate an eye infection such as bacterial conjunctivitis. Proper diagnosis and treatment from an eyecare provider are essential.
• Trauma or Injury: Any form of trauma or injury to the eye area, including scratches, blows, or punctures, requires immediate medical attention to prevent further damage and to ensure proper healing.
• Sudden Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to light, especially when accompanied by eye pain or vision changes, could be a sign of an eye infection, inflammation, or a condition like uveitis. Consult an eye specialist for a thorough evaluation.
• Chemical Burn: In the event of a chemical burn to the eye, immediately flush the affected eye with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Distilled water, filtered water or saline are preferred, but regular tap water may also be used if those are not available. After initial flushing, seek emergency medical care to address any potential damage and receive appropriate treatment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

The sooner you receive treatment, the quicker you can find relief and alleviate your concerns. Early detection and intervention may also help prevent irreversible damage to your eyes and vision.

Our Commitment to You

Our experienced team is here to offer advice and immediate care for your eye emergencies. For urgent eye issues, call us right away at 801-298-0581. Although it's ideal to see an eye doctor for all eye related issues, we understand that accessing care during non-business hours can be challenging.

During non-business hours or evenings, weekends, and holidays, patients with immediate eye issues should proceed to the emergency room. Many conditions can be addressed during your initial visit, and if specialized care is needed, we will ensure you are referred to the appropriate specialists, including retina, cornea, glaucoma, oculoplastics, or neuro-ophthalmology.

Remember, when it comes to your vision, don't wait. Seek help as soon as you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above. Your eyes are precious—take care of them.