Why You Shouldn't Visit the ER for Eye Emergencies During COVID-19

On April 22, the American Optometric Association (AOA) urged patients with emergency eye care needs to get in touch with their local optometrist prior to seeking treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Doing so not only eases the burden on emergency departments but also helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What Is Considered an Eye Emergency?

Most eye-related conditions can be treated in an outpatient optometry office. Emergency eye care includes urgent clinical advice or intervention for:

• Foreign objects in the eye
• Chemical burns
• Sudden changes in vision
• Flashes and floaters (which might suggest retinal detachment)
• Contact lens discomfort
• Red eyes and other problems that interfere with daily activities

Prioritizing Your Eye Care During COVID-19

Patients should first contact St. Clairsville Eyecare for guidance and potential treatment prior to heading to an overwhelmed hospital emergency room. Our team can assess the level of care you need — whether it's telehealth, an urgent clinic visit, or in severe cases, the emergency room.

This ensures patients get prompt treatment while allowing hospitals to conserve their resources for the current pandemic. Research has shown that treating eye emergencies at eye doctors' offices can potentially divert 1.4 million patients away from emergency rooms per year.

While we may have adjusted our services for certain appointments, St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville continues to provide emergency care for those who need it. We are here to help with anyone's emergency eye care requirements — for both new and existing patients. Call us at (740) 695-0444.