Emergency Eye Care in Apex and Zebulon, NC

NC Eye Associates offers priority and emergency appointments for urgent concerns. The optometrists and family eye care team of NC Eye Associates are experienced in promptly diagnosing and/or treating emergent ocular conditions.

Eye Care Emergencies & Injuries

Eye care emergencies include sudden vision loss, eye injury, foreign body in the eye, and exposure to chemicals.

The eye doctors of NC Eye Associates have invested in the latest technology used in eye care to evaluate your urgent concern with the most comfort to you. These advancements allow us to examine, diagnose, and treat emergency eye issues on-site, without needing to refer you to another facility.

In addition to the skilled nature of our staff and doctors, NC Eye Associates has a network of trusted professionals and relationships with top area hospitals, should your situation require more intensive care.

When Should I Call My Optometrist?

If any of the following signs are present, please call our offices right away, as you may be experiencing a time-sensitive eye emergency:

• Sudden vision loss
• Double vision
• Onset of “floaters” or flickering light
• Pain or swelling
• Sudden change in pupil size
• “Pink Eye” or red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light

Many conditions are quickly progressive and patients may receive a much better prognosis the earlier they are diagnosed and treated. Failure to address these concerns in a timely manner may result in complications or permanent vision damage.

Should you have any concern about your ocular health or vision, please do not hesitate to call our offices directly to receive assistance as soon as possible.

Eye Injury

If you injure your eye in any way, do not attempt to remedy it by rubbing your eyes or try to “tough it out.” Injuries to the eyes require professional medical assistance from a trusted eye care professional. Let us take care of your eyes the correct way.

Foreign Body Removal

Eyelashes, dust, metal and other common items sometimes get in our eyes. Leaving a foreign body in your eye can pose a serious threat for infection and damage to the vital components required for sight. Usually, the eye is able to naturally dispose of the foreign body, but oftentimes an eye care professional must be consulted for removal.

If you’ve gotten something in your eye, do not rub or attempt to remove the foreign body. Do not hesitate to call NC Eye Associates if:

• the foreign body is noticeably uncomfortable,
• it is causing pain or irritation,
• discomfort does not subside in a few hours, or
• the nature of how the foreign body was entered into the eye was volatile or forcible.

Never try to remove a foreign body from your eye. Self-removal attempts may inflict further harm. Always consult a medical professional!

Chemical Exposure

Chemicals can begin causing damage to the eye immediately after exposure. If a chemical substance gets into your eye, use cool water to flush your eyes for a full fifteen minutes, regardless of if you begin to feel relief sooner than this. Call our emergency care optometrists immediately thereafter to avoid further damage to your eye.

Sudden Vision Loss

Whether your vision loss is mild to moderate, complete, or sectoral (partial), it is very important to see your eye doctor immediately. Vision impairment should never be ignored, as many causes of acute vision loss are associated with systemic conditions or more serious events that could be life threatening.

Emergency Eye Care in Apex and Zebulon, NC

Your eyelids and eyelashes offer natural defenses to help protect your eyes. However, sometimes these defenses fail and the problem can arise internally like an infection, or happen abruptly like an accidental chemical splash. Whatever the cause, our optometry team is here to protect your ocular health through routine exams and the unexpected emergency eye care.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed here, or feel that you have an urgent concern about your eyes, please do not wait to contact NC Eye Associates of Apex or Zebulon, NC.