Certain eye symptoms need urgent assessment to protect sight and, occasionally, overall health.
Emergency eye symptoms
Some changes can indicate serious problems like retinal detachment, acute glaucoma, or infection. Getting help quickly often makes treatment more effective and safer.
- Sudden loss of vision or a dark curtain across any part of sight
- New flashes of light with many floaters
- Severe eye pain, redness, or headache with blurred vision
- Injury from chemicals, sharp objects, or strong impact
How to seek urgent help
If unsure, it is safer to ask for advice than to wait. Emergency eye departments, NHS 111, or your optometrist can direct you to the right place.
- Do not drive yourself if vision is badly affected
- Bring details of medicines and medical conditions to the appointment
- Contact lens wearers should bring lenses and solutions for review
- Do not use leftover drops without professional guidance
