THE CLEAR ANSWER
When should you seek urgent eye care?
Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain and injuries need prompt assessment. Call our office for guidance during office hours. If you cannot reach us promptly, or you have sudden vision loss or a serious injury, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Symptoms that should not wait
Seek urgent assessment for:
- Sudden loss or a marked change in vision.
- An eye injury or a chemical splash.
- Severe eye pain or a painful red eye.
- New flashes, many new floaters or a shadow across your vision.
Choose the next step promptly
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Call rather than using routine online booking for an urgent problem. Emergency departments provide care when the office is closed or immediate care is unavailable.
If a chemical splashes into your eye, begin rinsing gently with clean running water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical help. Do not rub an injured eye or attempt to remove an embedded object.
What happens after evaluation
The examination guides treatment and any referral to an emergency department or eye specialist. Follow-up may be needed to monitor recovery. Keep the instructions you receive and contact the treating team if symptoms change.
Sources & further reading
Updated October 5, 2026
Eye Center of Ephraim provides personalized care based on your examination. This page offers general information and does not replace an individual evaluation.
