Priority

Urgent Eye Care

Urgent eye conditions should be evaluated promptly to help prevent complications and protect vision. We prioritize these appointments and aim to provide fast, same-day care whenever possible.

Responsive

Conditions We Treat Urgently

Silo Eye Care provides prompt evaluation and treatment for a variety of urgent eye concerns, including eye injuries, infections, sudden vision changes, and painful symptoms. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and prevent potential complications.

Eye Infections (Conjunctivitis, Keratitis)

Redness, discharge, irritation, or light sensitivity may indicate an eye infection. Some infections, such as corneal infections, can become serious quickly and require urgent treatment.

Flashes & Floaters (Retinal Concerns)

New or sudden flashes of light, an increase in floaters, or the appearance of a dark curtain or shadow in your vision may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Prompt evaluation is important to help protect your sight.

Foreign Body in the Eye

Dust, metal, wood, or other debris trapped in the eye can cause irritation or injury. Professional evaluation allows for safe removal and helps prevent damage to the cornea or eye surface.

Severe Eye Pain, Redness, or Swelling

Significant pain, redness, swelling, or discomfort, especially when combined with vision changes, may indicate conditions such as acute inflammation, infection, or elevated eye pressure.

Corneal Scratches or Abrasions

Scratches on the cornea can cause pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. These require proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent infection and promote healing.

Sudden Vision Changes or Vision Loss

Rapid changes in vision, including blurriness, dark spots, or partial vision loss, may be a sign of a serious underlying condition affecting the retina, optic nerve, or blood flow to the eye.

Dislodged Contact Lenses

A contact lens that becomes stuck, folded, or difficult to remove can cause irritation and discomfort. We can safely remove the lens and check for any eye surface damage or irritation.

Uncomfortable, Itchy, or Irritated Eyes

Persistent eye irritation, itching, or discomfort may be caused by allergies, dryness, or infection. An evaluation helps determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Chemical Exposure or Eye Injury

Exposure to chemicals, blunt trauma, or penetrating injuries can cause serious damage to the eye. Immediate evaluation is recommended to assess the extent of injury and begin appropriate treatment.

Warning

Recognizing Urgent Eye Symptoms

Certain eye symptoms may indicate a serious condition that needs prompt evaluation. If you experience any of the following, it is important to seek urgent eye care as soon as possible.

Sudden Vision Loss or Blurred Sight

A rapid decrease in vision, even if temporary, and blurry vision should be evaluated immediately.

Image of an slitlamp with an white background

Flashes, Floaters, or Dark Spots

Seeing sudden flashes, streaks of light, or a sudden increase in floaters may be a sign of a retinal issue.

Severe Eye Pain or Pressure

Pain in the eye is never something to ignore or wait out.

Chemical Splash or Foreign Object

If something is stuck in the eye or chemicals come in contact, prompt evaluation is needed

Eye Trauma From Impact or Injury

Any injury to the eye, including being struck, scratched, or exposed to debris, should be assessed right away.

Severe Eye Pain, Pressure or Red Eye

Pain that is intense, persistent, or accompanied by vision changes or red eye may indicate a serious eye condition.

Process

Urgent Eye Exam Process

Eye emergencies can feel overwhelming, but our process is designed to prioritize your care with fast answers and prompt care. Here’s what typically happens during your urgent eye visit.

Contact Our Office

When you call our office with an urgent eye concern, our team will gather important details about your symptoms, including when they started, any changes you’ve noticed, and any factors that may have contributed. This helps us understand the urgency of your situation and determine the best next step for your care.

Same Day Diagnostic Evaluation

During your urgent eye care visit, our doctors will perform a focused evaluation to better understand the cause of your symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action. Depending on your concern, testing may include evaluating your vision, eye pressure, eye structures, and overall eye health using advanced diagnostic technology. We will carefully assess signs of infection, inflammation, injury, or other conditions that may require immediate attention, while ensuring you understand what we find and what it means for your eye health.

Diagnosis & Treatment Plan

After your evaluation, our doctors will explain their findings and discuss the recommended treatment options. Whether your concern requires immediate treatment, medication, monitoring, or additional testing, we will create a plan tailored to your specific needs.

Follow-Up & Continued Care

After your urgent eye care visit, we will provide clear guidance on the next steps needed to support your recovery and protect your vision. Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, this may include follow-up visits to monitor healing, additional testing, medication management, or recommendations for lifestyle adjustments. If your condition requires specialized care, we will coordinate referrals with trusted specialists and help ensure a seamless transition throughout your eye care journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Get clarity on urgent eye care, what to expect, and when to seek help.

If I have an eye emergency, should I make an appointment online? 

For urgent eye concerns, please do not schedule an appointment online, as this may delay the time it takes for our team to evaluate your situation and provide the appropriate care. Instead, please call our office directly so we can quickly assess your symptoms, prioritize your needs, and guide you through the next steps. We will make every effort to accommodate urgent eye care needs as soon as possible.

What is considered an eye emergency?

Eye emergencies can include sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, severe eye pain, eye injuries, chemical exposure, or redness accompanied by vision changes. If you're unsure whether your symptoms are urgent, contact our office for guidance.

How quickly can I be seen for an eye emergency?

We prioritize urgent eye care appointments and will make every effort to accommodate you as soon as possible. If you are experiencing an eye emergency, call our office and we will make the necessary arrangements to fit you into our schedule promptly.

Can I wait to see if my symptoms improve on their own?

We do not recommend waiting if you are experiencing sudden vision changes, eye pain, flashes and floaters, or an eye injury. Some eye conditions can worsen quickly, and early evaluation often leads to better outcomes and treatment options.

Can I wear my contact lenses if my eye is red or painful?

No. If your eye is red, painful, or irritated, remove your contact lenses if you are able to do so and contact our office as soon as possible. Our doctors will help evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps to protect your eye health.

Should I go to the emergency room or eye doctor?

For most non-life-threatening eye emergencies, an eye doctor can provide the most appropriate care. We use specialized equipment and advanced imaging technology to diagnose and manage urgent eye conditions that may not be fully evaluated in an emergency room setting. However, if you have severe trauma or chemical exposure and cannot reach us, seek immediate emergency care or call 911.

Will my eyes be dilated during an urgent eye care visit?

Depending on your symptoms, dilation may be recommended to allow a more thorough examination of the retina and internal structures of the eye. This helps us identify conditions that may not be visible during a routine examination.

Will insurance cover urgent eye care?

Many medical insurance plans provide coverage for urgent eye conditions and eye emergencies. Coverage varies by plan, and our team can help review your benefits before your visit.

Need immediate help?

We prioritize urgent eye care appointments and will make the necessary arrangements to ensure you receive prompt attention.

Don't Wait For Relief

Call our office today for urgent evaluation and personalized guidance.