Emergency Eye Care

Eye emergencies can be scary and stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and know what steps to take. Many people automatically think of heading to the emergency room, but did you know that your optometrist is often better equipped to handle certain eye emergencies? Our experienced optometrists are trained to handle a wide range of eye emergencies and will provide you with the care you need as soon as possible. If you have an eye emergency while our office is closed, go straight to the nearest emergency room.  

When do you need emergency eye care? 

An eye emergency is any issue that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. While some minor irritations or discomfort may not require immediate attention, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Common eye emergencies include:  

• Foreign object in the eye 
• Sudden vision loss 
• The sudden appearance of light flashes or floaters 
• Severe eye pain 
• Eye infections 
• A lost contact lens in the eye 
• Scratched eyes 

Amniotic membranes for severe corneal injuries  

For severe corneal injuries, we offer a remarkable treatment called amniotic membranes. This innovative treatment option helps your eyes heal more quickly and reduces the chance of scarring that can affect your vision. Amniotic membranes come from the innermost layer of the placenta and have incredible healing properties. They contain growth factors and proteins that help repair and regenerate tissue, reduce swelling and discomfort, and protect your eyes against infections.  

What to do in an eye emergency   

In the event of an eye emergency, it’s important to follow these tips: 

• Avoid rubbing your eyes as this can cause further damage. 
• Avoid applying pressure to the eye. 
• Don’t try to remove a foreign object stuck in your eye. 
• Have someone else drive you to our office or the emergency room.  

If you have an eye emergency, our eye doctors can help! Contact us today for an emergency eye exam in Mt. Pleasant, St. Louis, Carson City, or Alma, Michigan.