When Is Eye Pain an Emergency? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Eye pain can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort - and while some causes are minor, others can signal a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Knowing when eye pain is an emergency can help protect your vision and prevent long-term complications.

Common Causes of Eye Pain

Eye pain can originate from various sources, including the cornea, eyelids, or even deeper structures within the eye. Common causes include:

• Dry eyes: Often causes a burning or gritty sensation.

• Allergies: May cause itching, redness, and tearing.

• Foreign objects: Dust, debris, or contact lenses can scratch the cornea.

• Eye strain: Staring at screens for long periods or needing a prescription update can cause discomfort.

While these causes are typically not emergencies, other symptoms can indicate something much more serious.

Signs of an Eye Emergency

Seek immediate care if you experience any of the following symptoms along with eye pain:

• Sudden loss of vision: Even partial or temporary vision loss requires urgent attention.

• Severe pain: Intense or throbbing pain can signal conditions like glaucoma or infection.

• Light sensitivity: Extreme sensitivity may indicate inflammation inside the eye (uveitis) or a corneal problem.

• Redness and discharge: Especially if accompanied by swelling, it could be a sign of infection.

• Injury or chemical exposure: Contact with chemicals or a direct hit to the eye needs prompt treatment.

• Halos around lights or nausea: These can be symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, a true medical emergency.

What to Do in an Eye Emergency

If you suspect an eye emergency:

• Do not rub your eyes. This can worsen the damage.

• Remove contact lenses if you wear them.

• Rinse your eye with clean water or saline if there’s chemical exposure.

• Seek immediate care from an eye doctor.

When to See an Eye Doctor

Even if your symptoms improve, you should always follow up with a comprehensive eye exam. Some conditions like infections, inflammation, or retinal issues can worsen without proper treatment. Our optometrist can evaluate the underlying cause and provide the appropriate care.

Expert Care for Eye Emergencies in Milford

Eye pain should never be ignored, especially when it’s severe, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms. Prompt attention can make all the difference in preserving your sight.

If you’re experiencing eye pain or vision changes, contact Lighthouse Vision to schedule an urgent eye exam. Visit our office in Milford, Connecticut, or call (203) 783-9632 today.