Even if you don’t feel there’s anything wrong with your eyes, it’s still a good idea to have routine eye checks with your eye doctor. In doing so, you can better understand the current state of your vision, especially as you age.
However, an immediate doctor’s visit is in order if you experience pain or discomfort in your eye. Today, we take a look at three eye problems that require emergency care.
1. Traumatic Eye Injury
The most common eye care emergencies are due to accidents. Injuries or burns affecting the area around the eyes require immediate care from a vision-care professional. These can cause pain, sensitivity to light, swelling, redness or double vision. If not treated right away, the injury can lead to permanent vision loss.
2. Sudden Changes in Vision
Noticeable vision changes must be addressed quickly via immediate care by an optometrist. The vision change could be caused by a corneal or retinal issue that, if left untreated, can cause permanent vision loss. If you see floating spots from within your eye or flashing lights and spots, you may have a detached retina. Blurred vision can be a symptom of nerve damage or a neurological issue.
3. Red Eye
Red eyes could be due to conjunctivitis (pink eye), which can be either viral or bacterial. It could also indicate a more serious sight-threatening condition like uveitis or ocular herpes. Eye redness should be evaluated by a vision care professional who can determine the type of condition and prescribe the right treatment.
Nova Vision Center is your leading provider of eye care services, from comprehensive eye exams to prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Give us a call at (703) 578-3600 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with us. We serve residents of Arlington and Alexandria, VA.