How Can You Tell If Your Eye Pain is an Emergency?

Eye pain can range from mild discomfort to intense, stabbing sensations. While some causes are minor and resolve on their own, others may require urgent medical attention. At Limestone Eye Care, we want to help you understand when eye pain signals something serious so you can act quickly and protect your vision.

Common Causes of Eye Pain

Eye pain may result from various issues, including:

• Dry eyes

• Allergies 

• Eye strain

• Minor injuries or irritation

• Infections like conjunctivitis

• Foreign objects or debris in the eye

While these causes are often treatable, certain symptoms accompanying eye pain could indicate an emergency.

Signs Your Eye Pain Might Be an Emergency

If you experience any of the following along with eye pain, you should seek immediate care:

• Sudden vision changes such as blurred or double vision

• Eye pain after trauma or injury

• Severe light sensitivity or redness

• Discharge or swelling that worsens quickly

• Seeing flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision

• Persistent or throbbing pain, especially around the eye socket

These symptoms could point to conditions like corneal ulcers, retinal detachment, acute angle-closure glaucoma, or optic neuritis, all of which require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

What You Should Do

Do not try to treat serious eye pain at home. Avoid rubbing your eyes, using over-the-counter drops without guidance, or waiting to see if the pain goes away. Delaying treatment for certain eye emergencies can lead to permanent vision damage or loss.

Instead, call your optometrist right away or visit an emergency eye care provider. At Limestone Eye Care, we are trained to evaluate eye pain and determine whether it is a sign of something more serious.

Urgent Eye Care When You Need it Most

Not all eye pain is dangerous, but certain symptoms can be signs of a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Prompt care can help prevent complications and keep your eyes healthy.

If you’re experiencing eye pain, contact Limestone Eye Care to schedule an urgent evaluation. Visit our office in Lawrence, Kansas, or call (785) 268-6880 to book an appointment today.