Ocular emergency visits are one of the most important types of eye exams that we provide.  It is not well known that optometrists administer emergency services.  However, if anyone experiences any symptoms which are alarming, there is nobody better to come to than an optometrist.  By asking specific questions, the optometrist will decide how urgently the problem should be addressed and provide treatment.

At Island Eycare, if a patient calls with a true emergency, we will see you right away and do all that we can to resolve the problem.  The biggest issue is that not many people are aware that the symptoms they may be experiencing are an emergency.  This sometimes results in waiting for the symptoms to self resolve and ends up in severe vision loss.  

A list of symptoms that are true ocular emergencies which should be seen immediately is provided for your information.

Sudden Loss of Vision: This refers to either a complete or partial loss of vision in one or both eyes.  This could be from several eye diseases including, but not limited to, retinal detachment,  macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.  It is important to see your optometrist immediately.

Flashes of Light: These generally resemble lightning bolt flashes in the side of your vision and can happen spontaneously or after trauma.  This can be the start of a retinal detachment and time is of the essence.  An optometrist should be consulted.

Floating Spots: Floaters are often described as cobwebs or bugs racing across the eye.  These spots move as the eye moves.  A few seen now and again are common and are due to normal degeneration of the vitreous.  However, if several are seen suddenly, especially in one eye, that vitreous may be detaching, or worse, the retina.  An optometrist should be seen to ensure the health of the eye.

Double Vision: Sudden onset of double vision is an urgent symptom which needs to be evaluated immediately by an optometrist.  The best thing to do if this is noticed is to see if it occurs binocularly (both eyes open) or monocularly (one eye open).  Binocular double vision indicates a muscle issue which is typically related to diabetes or trauma.  Monocular double vision indicates either complications of systemic disease or cataracts.  An optometrist should be seen as soon as possible.

Pain: Sharp eye pain can be related to a variety of ocular problems and should be seen by an optometrist promptly.

Although these are all symptoms of true ocular emergencies, a patient may be concerned about something not on this list.  Never be hesitant about calling and describing the nature of your problem to your optometrist's office.  At Island Eyecare, we will always do what is best for you and have you seen in the appropriate time frame.

Island Eyecare urges you to take eye emergencies to optometrists.  Many people are not aware that we take emergency patients and instead will go to their general physician or a hospital emergency room which takes much longer and will still end up in our office.  It saves time and energy to directly come to us and allows us to treat your eyes more quickly.  Several diseases only have a small window of time before they take your vision completely.  Call us at Island Eyecare before it is too late to preserve your vision.