When is an eye problem an emergency?
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Quick answer
Seek urgent medical help if you suddenly lose vision, have severe eye pain with reduced vision, get a chemical in your eye, or have an object penetrate the eye. New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, or a dark curtain or shadow in your vision also need urgent same-day assessment because they can be warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment.
Some eye symptoms are an emergency because vision can be permanently affected if treatment is delayed. The safest response depends on how suddenly the problem began, whether vision has changed, and whether there was an injury or chemical exposure.
Which eye symptoms are an emergency?
Call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department now if you have:
- sudden severe or persistent loss of vision in one or both eyes;
- severe eye pain together with sudden or marked vision loss;
- a chemical splash or burn to the eye;
- an object that has penetrated or is embedded in the eye;
- a significant eye injury; or
- vision changes with possible stroke symptoms, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, severe dizziness, or a sudden severe headache.
If a chemical enters the eye, begin rinsing straight away. Use clean, cool running water, hold the eyelids open if you can, and rinse continuously for at least 20 minutes while emergency help is arranged. Remove contact lenses only if they come out easily during rinsing. Do not delay irrigation to search for a particular solution.
For a penetrating injury, do not press on the eye and do not try to remove the object. Protect the eye from further contact if you can do so without applying pressure, then seek emergency care.
Do new flashes or floaters need urgent assessment?
Yes. Arrange an urgent same-day eye assessment if you notice:
- new flashes of light;
- a sudden increase or shower of floaters;
- a dark curtain, veil or shadow moving across your vision;
- a new missing area of side vision; or
- sudden distortion or a noticeable reduction in central vision.
These can be retinal detachment symptoms. They do not always mean the retina has detached, but a prompt examination is needed to check for a retinal tear or detachment.
Is a painful red eye urgent?
A very painful red eye, light sensitivity with reduced vision, or a red painful eye in a contact-lens wearer needs prompt assessment. Stop wearing contact lenses until you have been examined. Seek emergency care if the pain is severe, vision has suddenly fallen, or there has been an injury or chemical exposure.
What if blurred vision is not sudden?
Blurred vision that develops gradually still deserves an eye examination, especially when it is new, persistent, worsening, or affecting only one eye. If the blur becomes sudden or is accompanied by pain, flashes, many new floaters, a curtain or shadow, neurological symptoms, or trauma, treat it as urgent. Read what to do about sudden blurred vision in one eye.
Can City Optics assess urgent eye symptoms?
Our optometrists can assess many urgent eye concerns, perform relevant eye disease screening, and arrange referral when required. Contact your nearest City Optics practice and describe the symptoms, when they started, whether vision has changed, and whether there was an injury or chemical exposure.
For the emergency warning signs above, do not wait for a routine appointment—call 000 or attend an emergency department. For other concerns, you can book an eye test across our NSW stores.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait to see whether new flashes and floaters settle?
No. New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, or a curtain or shadow in your vision need urgent same-day assessment. These symptoms may occur with a retinal tear or detachment.
What should I do after a chemical splash to the eye?
Start rinsing immediately with clean, cool running water for at least 20 minutes and arrange emergency help. Do not delay rinsing while looking for advice or special eye drops.
Should I remove an object stuck in the eye?
Do not remove an object that is embedded in or penetrating the eye, and do not press on the eye. Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Can I keep wearing contact lenses if my eye is red and painful?
No. Remove the lenses if they come out easily, stop lens wear, and seek prompt assessment. Severe pain or reduced vision requires urgent medical care.
This general information does not replace an individual eye examination or medical advice. If you are unsure how urgent your symptoms are, seek prompt professional assessment.
