Not all “red eyes” are the same. Pink eye, foreign objects, sudden vision changes, flashes/floaters, painful red eyes, and chemical splashes can be emergencies.
An optometrist has the tools and training to diagnose and treat most urgent eye problems on the same day. They often do this faster and more effectively than urgent care.
For life- or vision-threatening trauma (penetrating injury, severe burn), go to the ER or call 911. Otherwise, call Prate Family Eye Care in Laurel Springs for immediate guidance.
What Qualifies as an Eye Emergency?
- Sudden vision loss or a dark curtain over part of vision
- Flashes of light, new floaters, or a shower of spots
- Severe eye pain, intense redness, or light sensitivity
- Foreign object in the eye (especially metal, wood, or glass)
- Chemical splash (household cleaners, solvents, fertilizers)
- Eye trauma (impact, cut, or swelling around the eye)
- Painful contact lens complications (cannot remove lens, red/painful eye)
- Infectious “pink eye” with thick discharge, swelling, or fever—especially in contact lens wearers or children
Searching for urgent eye care? If you’re in Laurel Springs, our team offers same-day and walk-in availability whenever possible.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): When It’s Urgent—and When It’s Not
Common signs: redness, discharge, gritty feeling, tearing.
Urgent if: you wear contacts, have pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or significant swelling—these can indicate corneal involvement.
Why see an optometrist first? We can tell the difference between viral, bacterial, and allergic causes. We can also rule out iritis or keratitis. We prescribe the right medications and help prevent complications.
Foreign Objects & Scratches (Corneal Abrasions)
- Do not rub the eye; do not try to remove embedded metal/wood.
- Shield the eye (clean cup or cover) and call us.
- We use a slit lamp and fluorescein stain to find and treat scratches. We also remove surface debris. If needed, we place a bandage contact lens or prescribe eye drops.
- Metal on metal? Tiny rust rings can form—these require optometric/ophthalmic removal.
Chemical Splashes
- Flush immediately with clean water or saline for 15 minutes.
- After flushing, call us or go straight to the ER depending on the chemical and severity.
- Bring the bottle/label if available so we know exactly what got in.
Sudden Vision Changes, Flashes & Floaters
- A new shower of floaters, flashes, or a “curtain” might signal a retinal tear/detachment.
- We do dilated exams and retinal imaging. If needed, we can refer you to a retinal specialist on the same day.
Why Choose an Optometrist Over Urgent Care?
- Specialized equipment: Slit lamp biomicroscopy, corneal staining, tonometry, OCT, and visual fields—rarely available at urgent care.
- Faster, targeted treatment: Eye-specific diagnostics avoid guesswork and unnecessary antibiotics or steroids.
- Contact lens expertise: Safe removal, infection management, and corneal protection.
- Continuity of care: We manage follow-ups and coordinate with cornea/retina/oculoplastics when needed.
- Convenience & cost: Same-day visits, on-site testing, and clear guidance—often quicker and more affordable than urgent care.
If you need eye care in Laurel Springs, Prate Family Eye Care is your nearby resource for emergency eye doctor services in NJ.
What To Do Right Now (Do’s & Don’ts)
Do:
- Call us immediately for same-day triage and instructions.
- Stop wearing contacts until cleared.
- Use preservative-free tears if advised.
- Protect the eye from further injury.
Don’t:
- Don’t rub the eye or try to remove embedded objects.
- Don’t self-start old prescription drops.
- Don’t delay—many conditions worsen quickly.
How Same-Day Care Works at Prate Family Eye Care in Laurel Springs
- Call first—we reserve urgent slots daily.
- On arrival: brief history, vision check, and optometric exam with slit lamp.
- Diagnostics as needed: corneal stain, IOP, dilation, OCT/retinal imaging.
- Immediate treatment and clear home-care instructions.
- Follow-up/Referral: We monitor healing and coordinate sub-specialty care when necessary.
FAQs: Urgent Eye Care
Should I go to urgent care for pink eye?
Call us first. Many “pink eyes” are not bacterial and need the correct diagnosis. Contact lens wearers or anyone with pain/blur need same-day optometric care.
When is the ER the right choice?
For serious injuries, bad chemical burns, or major facial injuries, go to the ER or call 911. After that, follow up with us for more care.
Can an optometrist prescribe medications?
Yes. We treat most urgent eye problems and prescribe appropriate antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatories, and pain control when indicated.
Do you accept same-day appointments?
Yes—call early. We hold same-day slots for emergencies and will guide you on next steps.
Will my insurance cover it?
Many urgent visits receive billing as medical eye care; our team can verify benefits before you arrive.
Skip the Wait—Call Now
Eye symptoms can change quickly. Skip the wait—call our clinic for expert eye emergency care today.
For same-day and after-hours guidance, contact Prate Family Eye Care in Laurel Springs. We’ll triage your symptoms and get you seen right away.