Emergency Eye Care for New Jersey Residents

Did you know thousands of people visit the emergency room annually for eye emergencies? However, many of these cases can be better addressed by an eye care specialist. Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey provides specialized emergency eye care to help you manage any sudden eye issues effectively and efficiently.

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What is Considered an Eye Emergency?

An eye emergency involves sudden or severe symptoms that require immediate attention from an eye care professional, as delays can lead to permanent vision impairment or complications. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial to preventing long-term damage and ensuring effective treatment.

Symptoms of an Eye Emergency

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional care immediately.

Sudden vision loss

Any sudden, unexplained loss of vision should be treated as an emergency.

Eye trauma

Any injury to the eye, such as a direct hit or penetration, requires immediate care.

Severe eye pain

Unrelenting eye pain, especially when combined with redness or other symptoms.

Chemical exposure

If any chemical substance splashes into the eye, immediate rinsing and professional care are essential.

Flashes and floaters

Sudden onset of flashes of light or an increase in floaters could indicate a retinal detachment.

Redness, swelling, or discharge

Sudden severe redness, swelling, or discharge may signal an infection or other acute condition.

Types of Common Emergencies

Foreign Object in the Eye

Getting something like sand, metal, or glass stuck in the eye can lead to damage or infection if not removed properly.

Corneal Abrasion

A scratch on the surface of the eye can cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Immediate care can help prevent complications.

Retinal Detachment

This is a serious condition that occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. Symptoms include flashes, floaters, or a dark curtain over part of your vision.

Eye Infections

Severe infections like conjunctivitis or other bacterial and viral infections can threaten vision if left untreated.

Chemical Burns

Exposure to hazardous chemicals requires immediate rinsing with water and professional evaluation to prevent severe damage.

Acute Glaucoma

A sudden increase in eye pressure can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Our Services

Why Choose Us for Eye Emergencies?

At Belleville, we are committed to providing the best possible care when it matters most. Here’s why you should choose us for your eye emergencies:

Available After Hours: We understand that emergencies can happen anytime, which is why we offer after-hours care at all four of our locations: Jersey City, Belleville, Union, and Rahway.
Wide Range of Specialties: Our team has diverse skills and specialties, allowing us to address a wide variety of eye emergencies effectively.
Advanced Equipment and Expertise: Our clinics are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technology to provide accurate assessments and prompt treatment for emergencies.

With our highly skilled team and multiple locations, we are here to provide the help you need when you need it most.

What to Do in an Eye Emergency

If you think you have an eye emergency, there are important steps you should take—and things you should avoid:

What to Do

Seek Immediate Medical Help: Contact Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey immediately for guidance or visit one of our locations for emergency care.
Rinse Your Eye: For chemical exposure, rinse your eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes and then seek immediate care.
Avoid Rubbing the Eye: Rubbing can worsen the injury or spread infection.
Protect Your Eye: If you’ve experienced trauma, use a clean cloth or shield to cover the eye lightly until you receive professional help.

What to Avoid

Do Not Delay Treatment: Eye emergencies require immediate attention to prevent lasting damage.
Do Not Apply Pressure: Applying pressure can make trauma-related injuries worse.
Do Not Remove Objects: If something is stuck in your eye, do not try to remove it yourself—seek professional help to avoid further injury.

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Notes

For urgent eye issues or emergencies, Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons strongly recommends calling a location nearest to you. Emergency eye care may constitute any of the following: 1. vision loss; 2. different size pupils; 3. double vision; 4. bleeding from the eye; 5. Swelling; 6. eye pain that doesn't lessen on its own; and/ or 7. eye pain accompanied by a headache. If you experience any of the following issues above, we recommend that you seek immediate medical attention.

For after-hour eye emergencies, please visit your local ER or Urgent Care Center, or dial 911.