Whether it’s a splash of cleaning product or a sudden jab from a toddler’s toy, eye emergencies happen more often than most people think, and not just in high-risk jobs.
At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, we see everything from corneal scratches to chemical burns, and we know that preparation makes all the difference. Knowing where to go for eye emergencies and what to do in the moment can help you save your own vision or that of someone else.
What Counts as an Eye Emergency?
Eye emergencies aren’t always dramatic. They can start with something as small as irritation or blurred vision, and quickly turn serious. If you experience any of the following, seek emergency eye care immediately:
- Sudden vision loss
- Eye pain or throbbing
- Flashes of light or floaters
- Double vision
- A foreign object in the eye
- Bleeding or discharge
- Signs of retinal detachment
Even if you're unsure whether it’s serious, it’s best to call an emergency eye doctor for advice rather than risk waiting. In Tupelo, Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center offers urgent evaluations, so you don’t need to rely on the emergency room.
How to Prepare for an Eye Emergency
The best time to prepare for a vision crisis is before you or a loved one experiences one. Here’s how Tupelo residents can get ready:
1. Know Where to Go
Save the number for our emergency eye clinic. Our eye care team offers same-day appointments for urgent cases, so you can avoid long waits at the emergency room, where eye-specific tools may not be available.
2. Make a First Aid Plan
Include a small eye care kit at home and in your car with:
- Saline solution (not tap water)
- A clean eye shield or gauze
- Artificial tears (for rinsing, not for injuries)
- Emergency contact numbers
Include instructions for what to do if there’s a foreign object in the eye or if someone is exposed to chemical burns.
3. Educate Your Family
Teach children how to recognize when something is wrong, like blurry vision, eye pain, or redness. Emphasize that rubbing the eyes makes things worse and always tell an adult right away.
4. Stay Up to Date on Eye Health
Some eye emergencies, such as retinal detachment or sudden double vision, can be associated with underlying chronic conditions. Comprehensive eye exams help detect these early, especially in patients over 50 or those managing diabetes.
5. Be Cautious with Contacts
If you wear contact lenses, always wash your hands before touching them. Never sleep in lenses unless directed. Pain or redness can signal a serious infection; take it seriously.
6. Watch for Symptoms That Worsen
Any rapid vision changes, strong sensitivity to light, or increasing pain should be treated as a medical concern. Delaying care can result in permanent damage; don’t try to “wait it out.”
Take Control of Eye Emergencies in Tupelo Before They Start
No one wants to imagine an eye injury, but knowing how to respond can protect your sight and reduce long-term damage. At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, we’re here to guide Tupelo families through both routine and emergency treatment with compassion and expertise.
For emergency eye care, please contact us immediately. Every second counts, and you deserve a clinic that prioritizes your vision.
Eye Emergency Prep FAQs
What are the signs that I need emergency eye care?
Sudden vision changes, eye pain, double vision, light flashes, or any foreign object in the eye are signs you need emergency attention.
Can I treat eye injuries at home?
Minor irritation may resolve with rinsing, but never attempt to remove embedded objects or self-treat chemical burns, call our eye doctor immediately.
Is it okay to wear contacts after an eye injury?
No. If you’ve had an eye injury or pain while wearing contacts, stop using them and contact our eye doctor to avoid worsening the condition.
