Eye emergencies can happen without warning. A splash of cleaning chemicals while doing household chores, a stray ball during your child’s soccer game, or sudden vision changes that leave you worried and confused. When your eyes are in trouble, every minute counts, and knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference in protecting your vision.
For most eye emergencies in Barrie, Dr. Chris Schell can provide faster, more specialized care than a hospital emergency room, with same-day appointments and comprehensive eye exams using equipment designed specifically for eye problems.
When Your Eyes Need Immediate Care
Some eye problems can’t wait for your next regular appointment. You’ll know you need urgent care when you experience any of these warning signs:
- Sudden vision loss or changes
- Severe eye pain
- Chemical splashes in your eye
- Foreign objects stuck in your eye
- Eye injuries from accidents or sports
- Flashing lights or new floaters
- Sudden double vision
These symptoms can signal serious conditions that need prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage to your vision. Don’t wait to see if they get better on their own.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that might be related to dry eye and floaters, understanding the difference between urgent and routine care can help you make the right decision about when to seek immediate attention.
Your Emergency Eye Care Options in Barrie
Emergency Rooms vs Eye Care Professionals
Hospital emergency rooms handle life-threatening situations, but they often lack specialized eye care equipment and may have long wait times for non-critical cases. You might sit for hours with a painful eye injury while more urgent medical cases take priority.
A Barrie optometrist offers focused eye care with specialized equipment and expertise. You’ll get faster attention, more thorough eye examinations, and treatment plans designed specifically for your eye problem rather than general medical care.
Dr. Chris Schell’s Emergency Eye Care Services
Dr. Chris Schell’s practice provides same-day appointments for urgent eye concerns, so you don’t have to suffer through pain or worry about vision changes. The office prioritizes emergency cases to get you the care you need quickly.
Our practice has diagnostic equipment specifically designed for comprehensive eye examinations, including tools to check for retinal damage, measure eye pressure, and detect foreign objects. This means you get accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment in one visit.
What Happens During an Emergency Eye Exam
Your emergency eye exam starts with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and how the problem began. The eye doctor will ask about pain levels, vision changes, and any activities that might have caused the injury.
The examination includes checking your visual acuity, examining the front and back of your eyes, and testing eye movement and coordination. Special instruments help the doctor see inside your eye to check for damage you can’t feel or see yourself.
Depending on your symptoms, you might need additional tests like eye pressure measurements or detailed retinal photography. These diagnostic tools help pinpoint exactly what’s wrong and guide your treatment plan.
After the examination, your eye doctor will explain the diagnosis and discuss treatment options. You’ll get clear instructions for care at home and know exactly when to return for follow-up visits. For ongoing concerns like digital eye strain, your optometrist can provide strategies to prevent future problems.
Common Eye Emergencies & Immediate Care Steps
Chemical Burns & Foreign Objects
If chemicals splash in your eye, flush immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, then head straight to your optometrist. Remove contact lenses if you can do so easily, but don’t waste time struggling with them.
For foreign objects like metal shavings or glass, don’t rub your eye or try to remove the object yourself. Cover your eye gently with a paper cup or loose bandage and seek professional care right away.
Sudden Vision Changes & Eye Injuries
Protect an injured eye by covering it lightly without applying pressure. Avoid taking pain medications that might mask important symptoms your eye doctor needs to assess during examination.
Call ahead when you have sudden vision loss, severe pain, or significant injury so the office can prepare for your arrival. For less urgent concerns like mild irritation or small scratches, you can usually schedule same-day appointments without calling ahead.
How to Reach Emergency Eye Care in Barrie
Contact Dr. Chris Schell’s office directly to schedule urgent appointments with a Barrie eye doctor. Our practice understands that eye emergencies need prompt attention and works to accommodate same-day visits for urgent concerns.
When you call, have information ready about your symptoms, when they started, and any possible causes like injuries or chemical exposure. This helps the office determine how quickly you need to be seen and what equipment to prepare.
For after-hours emergencies, follow the office’s emergency contact procedures or visit the nearest hospital emergency room if you have severe trauma or chemical burns that need immediate flushing and stabilization. Dr. Chris Schell provides comprehensive emergency eye care services in Barrie, with the expertise and equipment needed to protect your vision when problems arise. Contact our optometry clinic today to learn more about emergency appointments and keep your family’s eyes healthy and safe.
