Emergency Eye Care
in Nashville, TN
Eye emergencies can be stressful, especially when you are not sure what to do next. Prompt evaluation can help protect your vision, relieve discomfort, and give you clear guidance about the care you need.
If you are experiencing an eye emergency, call the office right away. Many urgent concerns — including eye infections, foreign objects in the eye, sudden flashes or floaters, and painful red eyes — can be evaluated by an optometrist. Some injuries and medical symptoms require emergency-room care, and you will be guided to the appropriate next step based on your symptoms.
When should you get urgent eye care?
Prompt care may be needed for concerns such as foreign objects in the eye, eye infections, injuries, sudden vision changes, or significant eye pain. A careful evaluation helps identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment or referral.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention:
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Asymmetrical eye movements
- Decreased or double vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Presence of blood on the white part of the eye
- Eye discharge
- Severe itching in the eyes
- New or severe headaches
A sudden increase in floaters, flashing lights, or a dark curtain or shadow in your vision can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment. These symptoms need prompt attention. Retinal imaging may be used to help evaluate the health of the retina, depending on your symptoms.
Steps to take during an eye emergency
When dealing with an eye emergency, follow these steps to avoid making it worse:
- If chemicals get into your eyes, flush your eyes with water for 10-15 minutes and don’t cover the affected eye.
- If you have something in your eyes, avoid rubbing them to prevent further damage and reduce the spread of any germs, bacteria, or infections.
- To prevent swelling around your eye after an injury, apply a cold compress. Gently apply the compress to your eyes to avoid irritation.
- Avoid driving if you are experiencing an eye emergency or vision problems.
After your evaluation, follow the care instructions you are given, including any recommended eye drops, compresses, medications, or follow-up visits. Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms, and you will receive clear guidance about what to do at home, what changes to watch for, and when additional care may be needed.
Eye emergencies need timely attention to help reduce the risk of lasting damage or vision loss. If you are experiencing sudden vision changes, significant pain, an injury, or another urgent eye concern, call our Nashville office right away.
Frequently asked questions about emergency eye care
Should I go to the emergency room or call an eye doctor?
Many issues, including eye infections, foreign objects, sudden flashes or floaters, and painful red eyes, can be evaluated by an optometrist. However, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away for a major eye injury, severe chemical exposure, significant bleeding, or symptoms that occur alongside other serious medical concerns, such as weakness, difficulty speaking, or a severe headache.
Will insurance cover emergency eye care?
Lemoncelli Eyecare is a preferred out-of-network provider and is happy to look up your benefits, explain them with you, and submit eligible claims on your behalf. In many cases, your insurance company sends reimbursement directly to you after the claim is processed.
For medical visits, the office can provide a detailed receipt that you may submit to your medical insurance plan. We also offer fair, transparent pricing for patients without insurance, so you can understand potential costs before moving forward with care.
What can I expect during an emergency eye care visit?
Dr. Lemoncelli will ask about your symptoms, when they began, any recent injuries or exposures, and your medical and eye health history. Your visit may include vision testing, an eye health evaluation, and additional testing based on your symptoms. Once the cause is better understood, the team will discuss the appropriate treatment, any follow-up care, and whether referral to an ophthalmologist or emergency department is needed.