Emergency Eye Care: When to Seek an Eye Exam Near Me in Cambridge, Ontario

Eye emergencies can happen suddenly and, if left untreated, may lead to permanent vision loss. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can save your sight. In this article, you’ll learn what constitutes an eye emergency, why time is critical, the symptoms that require immediate attention and what steps to take if you or a loved one experiences an eye emergency in Cambridge, Ontario.

What Is an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency involves sudden, severe symptoms that could harm your vision if not addressed right away. According to ReFocus Eye Health, eye emergencies include sudden changes such as bright flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a dark curtain moving across your field of vision, severe eye pain, intense redness or significant trauma to the eye. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek prompt care rather than risk permanent damage.

Why Acting Fast Matters

Swift treatment can make the difference between saving and losing your vision. A detached retina, for example, needs to be treated within 24–48 hours to preserve sight, while acute angle‑closure glaucoma can cause irreversible damage within hours. Central retinal artery occlusions—essentially eye strokes—require intervention within 90 minutes for any chance of recovery. If you experience sudden vision changes or severe eye pain, don’t wait; contact an eye care professional or go to the emergency room immediately.

Signs That Require Immediate Eye Care

Recognizing the symptoms of an eye emergency can help you seek care quickly. Call your optometrist or visit the emergency room right away if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden vision loss or a dark curtain across your vision: This may indicate a retinal detachment or stroke. If your vision goes completely black in one or both eyes, go straight to the emergency room.
• Flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters: A sudden increase in floaters or flashing lights—especially if accompanied by a dark shadow—could signal a retinal tear or detachment. Flashes that persist or come with vision loss need urgent evaluation.
• Severe eye pain with redness: Intense pain and redness can be signs of acute angle‑closure glaucoma, severe infection or uveitis. You may also notice light sensitivity, tearing, blurred vision, nausea or headache. These symptoms should never be ignored.
• Eye trauma or injury: Injuries from sports, accidents or foreign objects can cause cuts, bruising, broken bones around the eye or internal bleeding. Never try to remove an object stuck in your eye; instead, gently shield the eye and seek emergency care.
• Chemical exposure: Household cleaners, fertilizers and industrial chemicals can burn eye tissue. If a chemical gets in your eye, immediately flush it with clean water or saline for at least 15–20 minutes, remove contact lenses and then seek professional care.
• Other urgent symptoms: Sudden blurry vision, moderate pain, significant redness, feeling like something is in your eye or mild irritation may also require same‑day care. When in doubt, contact your eye doctor for guidance.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Some people are more likely to experience eye emergencies. Individuals with diabetes can develop sudden bleeding in the retina, while those with high blood pressure may experience blocked blood vessels. Recent eye surgery, autoimmune diseases, a history of eye trauma or the use of blood thinners also increase your risk. If you fall into any of these categories, monitor your vision closely and seek prompt care if you notice changes.

What to Do in an Eye Emergency

If you suspect an eye emergency, don’t rub or press on your eye. Avoid attempting to remove any foreign objects yourself. For chemical exposures, flush your eye with water or sterile saline for at least 15 minutes before seeking medical attention. Then, call your optometrist or head to the nearest emergency room. Acting quickly increases the chances of preserving your vision and preventing complications.

Emergency Eye Care at G&G Eye Doctors

At G&G Eye Doctors, we understand that eye emergencies are frightening. Our experienced team provides urgent evaluations for sudden vision loss, severe pain, flashes and floaters, injuries and other emergencies. We work closely with ophthalmologists and local hospitals to ensure you receive the appropriate level of care. During our regular office hours, we strive to accommodate same‑day appointments for urgent cases. If you experience an eye emergency outside of our clinic hours, go to your nearest emergency room or dial emergency services. Your sight is our priority.

Call Us Right Away

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of an eye emergency in Cambridge or the surrounding area, contact G&G Eye Doctors immediately. We’re here to help you protect your vision when it matters most.