
Eye problems can develop without warning. An accidental scratch, chemical splash, foreign object, or suddenly red and painful eye may require prompt attention to protect your vision. At San Marcos Vision Center, we provide urgent eye care in San Marcos, TX, and can evaluate many eye emergencies to determine the appropriate next step.
Even an injury that appears minor can affect the cornea or other delicate structures of the eye. Scratches from fingernails, tree branches, pets, sports equipment, or other objects can cause significant irritation and may increase the risk of infection.
Contact us promptly if you experience symptoms such as:
During an urgent eye exam, we can assess the affected area, identify the likely cause, and determine whether treatment or referral to another eye specialist is needed.
Chemical exposure requires immediate action. If a household cleaner, workplace chemical, pool product, or other substance gets into the eye, begin rinsing the eye right away with clean, lukewarm water. Continue flushing thoroughly and remove contact lenses if they come out easily during rinsing. Keep flushing for at least 15 minutes and obtain emergency medical care immediately.
Do not wait for redness or pain to become severe, and do not delay emergency care while waiting for an office appointment. Avoid rubbing the eye or trying to neutralize the chemical with another substance.
A red eye can have many possible causes. Allergies, dry eye, and mild irritation are common, but redness can also occur with infections, corneal injuries, inflammation, or other eye conditions that need treatment.
Sudden redness deserves particular attention when it occurs with pain, light sensitivity, discharge, swelling, or changes in vision. Instead of assuming the problem is conjunctivitis or trying leftover eye drops, an examination can help determine what is actually causing the symptoms.
Many eye injuries and sudden symptoms should be evaluated promptly by an eye doctor. An optometrist can examine the eye closely, identify the cause of pain, redness, irritation, or vision changes, and recommend the appropriate treatment.
If you experience an eye injury, chemical exposure, sudden redness, persistent discomfort, or an unexpected change in vision, contact San Marcos Vision Center to determine the right next steps for protecting your eye health and vision. Contact our office in San Marcos, TX, by calling (512) 890-0660 for further guidance. Sudden vision loss, a dark curtain or shadow, penetrating injuries, and chemical exposure require immediate emergency care. Do not remove an embedded object or apply pressure to the eye. New flashes or floaters need an urgent same-day eye examination.