Seeing flashes of light and/or a sudden increase in floaters can be indicators of a retinal tear or detachment.

Retinal Detachment

Any abrupt, sudden, or significant change in vision, such as a curtain-like shadow, needs to be evaluated immediately.

Differently sized pupils or changes in their shape can indicate a serious underlying problem.

Horner's Syndrome

New-onset double vision is a significant red flag requiring urgent evaluation.

Persistent, severe or unusual eye pain should be evaluated immediately, especially if accompanied by nausea or headaches.

Injuries from a blow or impact to the eye can cause internal damage and require urgent assessment.

A foreign object, no matter how small, should be addressed ASAP to prevent further, or worsening, damage to the eye. Particularly important if the foreign object is metal, as it can start to rust against the moist ocular surface, or organic matter like wood, plant or soil as it poses a higher risk of infection and inflammation.

Metal Corneal Foreign Body

A chemical eye injury is an emergency. Damage can occur within minutes. Most of the time, however, chemicals that come in contact with the eye cause only surface damage and no loss of vision. Common irritants include soaps, disinfectants, solvents, cosmetics, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, ammonia and bleach.

Caustic (alkaline) chemicals cause the worst damage. These include ammonia, drain cleaners, automatic dish washing detergents and oven cleaners.

To treat an eye chemical burn, immediately flush the eye with a continuous stream of clean water for at least 20 to 30 minutes, removing contact lenses and opening eyelids to ensure thorough rinsing. Then, seek immediate medical attention.