When to Act: Recognizing An Eye Emergency in Calgary
Not every vision change is an emergency, but some absolutely are. Eye emergencies often appear without warning and can escalate quickly if not treated. Knowing when to seek urgent eye care could mean the difference between saving or losing vision.
Common signs of an eye emergency include:
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Flashes of light or new floaters
- Eye trauma or injury
- Severe or persistent eye pain
- Foreign object in the eye
- Chemical exposure
- Swelling, redness, or discharge
If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, visit an eye emergency clinic in Calgary right away. Sunridge Eye Clinic offers urgent appointments to address these situations promptly and professionally.
What to Do Right Away for A Sudden Vision Change
If your vision suddenly becomes blurry, dark, or distorted, don’t wait it out, respond quickly with these immediate steps:
- Do not self-medicate with over-the-counter drops unless advised by an optometrist.
- Protect the affected eye from further irritation or trauma by avoiding bright light or keeping it gently closed.
- Avoid driving, especially if vision loss affects depth perception or clarity.
- Seek urgent eye care in Calgary as soon as possible.
If chemicals or foreign bodies are involved, rinse the eye with clean water for 10–15 minutes and go directly to an optometry clinic or emergency room.
What Not to Do in an Eye Emergency
Well-meaning decisions can sometimes worsen an eye emergency. Here are actions to avoid:
- Don’t try to remove objects lodged in the eye
- Don’t apply pressure or bandages to the affected eye
- Don’t delay professional care in hopes symptoms will go away on their own
Many patients in Calgary make the mistake of waiting until the next day, but delaying treatment could cause permanent damage or vision loss.
Eye Exams: Critical for Emergency Prevention
Regular eye exams aren’t just for updating your prescription. They’re one of the best tools for preventing sudden eye emergencies.
Routine checkups can detect early signs of:
- Glaucoma
- Retinal detachment
- Diabetic eye disease
- Age-related macular degeneration
Early detection gives your optometrist a chance to act before symptoms become serious, or irreversible. If you haven’t had a comprehensive NE Calgary eye exam in over a year, now’s the time.
Why Choose Sunridge Eye Clinic for Urgent Eye Care
At Sunridge Eye Clinic, we understand that sudden vision problems can be frightening. That’s why we prioritize urgent eye care in Calgary for patients who need help now, not next week.
Our experienced team offers:
- Same-day emergency appointments
- On-site diagnostic imaging and retinal evaluations
- Compassionate care in a family-friendly environment
Serving NE Calgary for over a decade, we’re proud to be a trusted name in urgent and routine eye care for children, adults, and seniors.
Act Fast, See Clearly: Book Your Eye Emergency Visit Today
Sudden vision changes are never something to ignore. Whether it’s eye pain, vision loss, or something that just doesn’t feel right, early action can protect your sight—and your peace of mind.
Sunridge Eye Clinic in NE Calgary offers trusted, compassionate emergency optometry services to help you manage unexpected eye issues with confidence and care. Walk-ins are welcome, and same-day appointments are available for urgent cases.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and experience prompt, expert attention.
FAQs
Q: What is considered an eye emergency in Calgary?
A: An eye emergency includes sudden vision loss, severe pain, flashes of light, new floaters, trauma, or chemical exposure. If you're unsure, visit an eye emergency clinic in NE Calgary like Sunridge Eye Clinic for fast evaluation. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or a worried about your eye health, Contact us immediately. The longer you wait, the more complications arise.
Q: Should I go to the ER or an optometrist for a Calgary eye emergency?
A: For most eye emergencies, it’s faster and more effective to visit an optometrist at an urgent eye care clinic in Calgary. Sunridge Eye Clinic offers same-day appointments for eye injuries and sudden vision changes.
Q: Can I walk in for an emergency eye exam at Sunridge Eye Clinic?
A: Yes, Sunridge Eye Clinic in NE Calgary accepts walk-ins for urgent eye care. Call ahead if possible, but we’re prepared for same-day emergency cases.
