Signs You Need Emergency Eye Care: When to Seek Help

“It’s probably just allergies.”

“I’ll just wait and see if it gets better.”

“My eye is a little red, but it doesn’t hurt too bad.”
 

These are all things we hear far too often. But when it comes to your eyes, waiting it out isn’t always the safest choice. Many serious eye conditions start with subtle symptoms. What feels like a mild annoyance could actually be a sign that something more serious is going on. Knowing the warning signs can help you take fast action when it matters most.
 

Eye Pain or Discomfort

Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Sudden or severe eye pain, especially when accompanied by light sensitivity, redness, nausea, or headaches, could indicate a serious condition such as acute glaucoma, a corneal ulcer, or inflammation inside the eye (uveitis). Painful eyes are never “normal,” and they’re not something you should try to treat on your own.
 

Red Eyes and Discharge

Yes, red eyes can sometimes be a result of allergies or fatigue, but they can also be a sign of an infection or inflammation that needs immediate treatment. Common conditions like pink eye (conjunctivitis) may be contagious and require prompt care, especially if symptoms include discharge, irritation, or swelling. 
 

If you experience redness along with pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or discharge, it could be something more serious, such as a corneal infection or iritis. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and help protect your vision.
 

Foreign Objects or Chemical Exposure

If something gets into your eye - whether it’s a piece of debris, a splinter, or a chemical - don’t try to handle it yourself. Rubbing or delaying treatment can cause more damage. Immediate eye flushing (especially in the case of chemical exposure) and a visit to Dr. Kohm can make all the difference in preserving your eye health.
 

Injury or Trauma to the Eye

Any blunt force or penetrating injury to the eye requires immediate care. Even if the eye looks fine on the outside, internal damage, bleeding, or increased pressure may have occurred. Trauma to the eye can lead to complications such as retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, or infection if not treated quickly. Delaying care could result in long-term vision problems or even permanent loss of sight.
 

How We Can Help

Dr. Kohm is highly experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye emergencies with precision and compassion. Whether you're dealing with sudden vision changes, eye pain, injury, or symptoms of infection, we provide prompt, thorough evaluations to identify the root cause and deliver the appropriate treatment. With advanced diagnostic technology and a commitment to personalized care, we ensure that urgent eye issues are addressed quickly to protect your vision and overall eye health.
 

At Eye See Vision Center, Dr. Kohm and our team are here to provide expert eye care when you need it most. If you're experiencing an eye emergency, contact our office in Crestwood, Missouri, by calling (314) 788-6440 for further guidance.