Emergency eye care in Clinton Township

Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a chemical exposure, or a serious eye injury needs immediate medical attention. Go to an emergency department if you cannot obtain immediate eye care. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. Do not wait for an online appointment, email, text, or returned message.

Source: AAO EyeWiki — Pre-Ophthalmologist Management of Eye Trauma

https://eyewiki.aao.org/Pre-Ophthalmologist_Management_of_Eye_Trauma

New flashes or floaters can be urgent

A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark curtain or shadow across your vision can signal a retinal tear or detachment. Seek an eye doctor or emergency department immediately, even if the eye does not hurt.

Source: National Eye Institute — Retinal Detachment

https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinal-detachment

Chemical splashes and serious injuries

For a chemical splash, start rinsing the eye immediately with plenty of clean lukewarm water while arranging emergency care. Continue rinsing for at least 20 minutes. Do not delay rinsing to make a routine appointment, and do not try to neutralize the chemical with another substance.

Source: AAO EyeWiki — Chemical Injury of the Conjunctiva and Cornea

https://eyewiki.aao.org/Chemical_%28alkali_and_acid%29_injury_of_the_conjunctiva_and_cornea

If an object is embedded in the eye or you suspect the eye has been punctured, do not remove the object, rub the eye, or put pressure on it. Seek emergency care immediately. Chemical exposure combined with a suspected puncture needs emergency instructions; call 911 and avoid forceful irrigation or manipulation.

Source: AAO EyeWiki — Pre-Ophthalmologist Management of Eye Trauma

https://eyewiki.aao.org/Pre-Ophthalmologist_Management_of_Eye_Trauma

Pain or redness while wearing contact lenses

Remove contact lenses and contact an eye doctor immediately if you develop eye pain, unusual redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden blurry vision. Do not put the lenses back in until an eye doctor advises you to. If you cannot reach an eye doctor promptly, seek urgent in-person care.

Source: CDC — What Causes Contact Lens Related Eye Infections

https://cdc.gov/contact-lenses/causes/index.html

Calling our office about an urgent concern

For an urgent eye concern during office hours, call 586-939-1122 and tell the staff that you are calling about an urgent problem. Explain when it started, which eye is affected, whether your vision has changed, and whether there was an injury, chemical exposure, or contact lens use.

Our practice evaluates urgent eye problems, but the appropriate place for care depends on your symptoms and the care available. Do not assume an appointment is available before speaking with the office. If you cannot reach us promptly, or if symptoms are severe or worsening, seek emergency care.

Where to find us

Dr. Schwartz Optometrist & Associates is at 37670 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48036. The entrance is at the rear of the building. Call before coming to the office for an urgent concern; never delay emergency treatment to travel here.