Eye Emergencies: What Counts as Urgent and Where to Go in Calgary SE

Eye emergencies can happen when you least expect them. It could be a stray hockey puck, a splash of cleaning solution, a sudden shower of floaters, or waking up with dramatically blurred vision.

In these situations, many people aren't sure whether they should call their optometrist, head to the emergency room, or wait to see if things improve on their own. Lots of people also don't realize that they can skip the wait at their closest emergency room and head straight to their local optometrist to get help with many urgent eye issues.

When it comes to your vision, waiting can sometimes be the difference between a simple treatment and permanent vision loss.

Here's what Calgary residents need to know about recognizing eye emergencies, what to do first, and where to seek care.

What Qualifies as an Eye Emergency?

Not every red or irritated eye is an emergency, but certain symptoms should always be taken seriously. Seek urgent eye care if you experience:

Sudden Vision Loss

Any sudden decrease in vision, whether partial or complete, should be considered an emergency.

This includes:

• Sudden blurry vision

• Missing areas in your vision

• Vision appearing dark or shadowed

• Loss of vision in one eye

Vision loss can be caused by several serious conditions, including retinal problems, vascular issues, or acute glaucoma.

Flashes of Light and New Floaters

Occasional floaters can be normal, especially as we age.

However, you should seek immediate assessment if you notice:

• A sudden increase in floaters

• Flashes of light

• A curtain or shadow moving across your vision

These symptoms may indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Retinal detachments require prompt treatment and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Chemical Splashes

Chemical injuries are true eye emergencies. Household cleaners, bleach, pool chemicals, industrial products, and even some cosmetics can damage the surface of the eye within minutes.

If a chemical gets into your eye:

1. Immediately begin flushing the eye with clean water.

2. Continue rinsing for at least 15–20 minutes.

3. Seek emergency eye care right away.

Do not wait to see if the irritation improves.

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Dust, metal shavings, wood fragments, and other debris can become lodged in the eye.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain

• Excessive tearing

• Light sensitivity

• The feeling that something is stuck in your eye

While some superficial particles can be removed safely by an eye care professional, embedded objects require urgent assessment.

Eye Trauma

Any injury involving:

• Sports equipment

• Tools

• Falls

• Vehicle accidents

• Fists or blunt impacts

should be evaluated promptly.

Even if the eye appears normal on the outside, internal damage can occur.

Severe Eye Pain

Mild irritation is common with allergies and dry eye. Severe pain is not.

Eye pain accompanied by:

• Blurred vision

• Redness

• Nausea

• Headache

• Light sensitivity

may indicate a more serious condition requiring urgent care.

What Should You Do First?

Knowing what to do immediately after an eye injury or sudden symptom can help protect your vision.

Do:

• Call an optometrist immediately

• Seek same-day care whenever possible

• Flush chemical exposures with water immediately

• Protect the eye from further injury

• Bring a list of medications if relevant

Don't:

• Rub your eye

• Attempt to remove embedded objects

• Apply pressure to an injured eye

• Use someone else's eye drops

• Wait several days to see if symptoms improve

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming symptoms will resolve on their own. When vision changes suddenly, prompt assessment is always the safest choice.

Why Time Matters

Many eye emergencies are highly time-sensitive.

Retinal Detachment

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye.

Common warning signs include:

• Flashes

• Floaters

• A dark curtain or shadow

• Sudden vision loss

The sooner treatment occurs, the greater the likelihood of preserving vision.

Corneal Injuries

Scratches and foreign bodies can quickly become infected if not treated properly. Early intervention often leads to faster healing and fewer complications.

Acute Glaucoma

A sudden increase in eye pressure can damage the optic nerve.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe eye pain

• Headache

• Nausea

• Halos around lights

• Blurred vision

This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Should You Call Your Optometrist or Go to the Emergency Room?

This is one of the most common question patients ask.

Contact Your Optometrist First For:

• Flashes and floaters

• Foreign body sensation

• Eye infections

• Red eyes

• Sudden blurry vision

• Eye Pain

• Corneal scratches

• Contact lens complications

• Sudden vision loss

Go Directly to the Emergency Room For:

• Significant eye trauma

• Chemical burns after flushing

• Deep cuts around the eye

• Eye injuries involving high-speed projectiles

• Situations where your optometrist is unavailable and symptoms are severe

If you're unsure, call your optometrist first. They can often help determine the most appropriate next step.

Emergency Eye Exams at Eye Live

At Eye Live, powered by Eyes 360, we understand that eye emergencies don't happen on a schedule. That's why we offer emergency eye exams during regular business hours whenever possible.

Our team can assess many urgent eye concerns, including:

• Flashes and floaters

• Eye infections

• Foreign bodies

• Sudden vision changes

• Eye injuries

• Contact lens complications

If a condition requires specialist or hospital care, we can help coordinate the appropriate referral.

Our goal is to ensure patients receive the right care as quickly as possible. If you are having concerns, don't wait and give us a call right away! We may have emergency spots available that are not listed when you book an eye exam online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a red eye always an emergency?

Not necessarily. Many red eyes are caused by allergies, dryness, or minor irritation. However, redness accompanied by pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes should be assessed promptly.

Are flashes and floaters always serious?

Not always, but new flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, or a shadow in your vision should always be evaluated urgently.

What should I do if I get a chemical in my eye?

Immediately flush the eye with clean water for at least 15–20 minutes and seek emergency care.

Tags: eye emergency, urgent care, eye injury, Calgary SE, Auburn Bay