Eye Injury or Sudden Vision Loss: What Should I Do?

A young boy with a black eye on his right eye seems to be scared with his hands covering his mouth

Recognizing a True Eye Care Emergency

Not every eye issue is a medical emergency, but when one happens, time matters. Symptoms like sudden vision loss, sharp eye pain, flashes of light, or chemical exposure need immediate attention from an emergency eye doctor. Any trauma to the eye, even if it seems minor, can cause long-term damage if left untreated.

Common eye emergencies include:

Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
Eye pain with or without redness
Foreign objects stuck in the eye (metal, glass, wood)
Chemical burns from household cleaners or work-related exposure
Blunt force trauma (sports injury, car accident, fall)
Flashes of light, floaters, or curtains in your vision
Eye bleeding or discharge

If you're unsure whether your symptoms are serious, err on the side of caution. Vision is too important to risk.

When Should I Call an Emergency Eye Doctor?

If your symptoms appeared suddenly, are worsening, or are accompanied by pain or changes in vision, call an eye care professional right away. Emergency rooms can provide basic first aid, but eye injuries are best handled by an optometrist or ophthalmologist with the right diagnostic equipment.

In St. Clairsville, we serve patients dealing with eye injuries from activities common in our area — whether you got metal shavings in your eye at work, suffered a sports injury during practice, or burned your eyes while using industrial cleaners. We’re here to help when you need fast, focused care.

First Steps to Take Before An Emergency Eye Exam

Until you can get to an emergency eye doctor, here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do:

DO rinse your eyes with clean water if exposed to chemicals.
DO NOT rub or apply pressure to an injured or painful eye.
DO protect the eye with a loose shield (not a bandage) if something is embedded.
DO NOT attempt to remove any object stuck in the eye.
DO keep both eyes closed and stay calm to avoid eye movement.

If you’re experiencing vision changes but no pain, you may still need urgent care — symptoms like flashes and floaters can signal retinal detachment.

We Offer Same-Day Appointments for Eye Emergencies

Don’t wait in pain or risk your vision. Our team is trained and equipped to handle most emergency eye situations. We offer same-day emergency eye care in St. Clairsville, and can help determine if further referral or treatment is needed.

If you or a family member is dealing with an eye injury or sudden vision loss, call us right away. The sooner you get care, the better the outcome for your vision.