Emergency Eye Care | Kingston & New Minas

Here, When You Need Us Most

Eye emergencies can happen suddenly and without warning. Whether you’re dealing with pain, vision changes, or an unexpected injury, our team at Valley Family Optometry is here to help. We reserve time each day for urgent appointments so you can get the care you need as quickly as possible.

Your vision is precious, and our goal is to protect it with prompt assessment and compassionate treatment.

If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, call our office right away. If we’re unavailable or closed, please visit the nearest emergency room or call 911.

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What Counts as an Eye Emergency

Eye emergencies involve any sudden change in your vision or ocular health. You may notice pain, redness, flashes of light, or blurred or lost vision. Some emergencies are the result of accidents or trauma, while others may come from infections or internal issues.

Common eye emergencies can include:

Sudden vision loss or double vision
Eye pain or severe discomfort
Flashes of light or new floaters
Foreign objects in or embedded in the eye
Chemical exposure
Cuts, scratches, or trauma to the eye or eyelid
Sudden redness, swelling, or discharge

Common Types of Eye Emergencies

Eye emergencies can happen anywhere. At work, during sports, or even while doing chores around the house. Some may seem minor at first, but even small injuries or irritations can become serious if not treated right away.

Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make all the difference in protecting your vision. Here are some of the most common situations that require prompt attention.

Injuries to the head, face, or eye can cause bruising, swelling, or bleeding inside the eye. Even if your vision seems unaffected, you should seek immediate care to rule out internal damage. Our team can examine your eyes for signs of retinal tears, orbital fractures, or corneal injury.

If chemicals come into contact with your eyes, flush them with cool, clean water for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses if possible.

Common sources include cleaning products, aerosols, and industrial chemicals. Once rinsed, seek emergency care immediately, even mild irritation can cause long-term damage without proper treatment.

Small debris such as sand or dust can often be rinsed out safely, but never attempt to remove an object that’s embedded in the eye.

Cover the eye loosely to prevent movement and come in right away. We’ll carefully assess and remove the object while minimizing the risk of further damage.

What to Do While Waiting for Help

You can take a few simple steps to protect your vision until you reach our office or an emergency room:

Cuts, scratches, or blunt trauma: Gently apply a clean, cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid pressure and seek care immediately.
Chemical exposure: Rinse with cool tap water for at least 15 minutes, remove contacts if possible, and continue flushing until medical help is available.
Foreign object: Do not rub, press, or attempt to remove it. Cover the eye lightly and seek immediate care.

If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, err on the side of caution and call us. If you or a loved one experiences sudden eye pain or vision changes, don’t wait.

Contact Valley Family Optometry right away or book an emergency appointment online.

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