Sudden Vision Loss: What Counts as an Eye Emergency

Retinal emergencies are painless, which is precisely what makes them dangerous. There is no ache to force your hand — only a change in what you see, which is easy to rationalize away for a day or a week. Do not.

Call Immediately — Same Day

Sudden loss of vision in one eye. Whether partial or complete, this can indicate a retinal artery occlusion, vein occlusion, vitreous hemorrhage, or detachment. A central retinal artery occlusion is a stroke of the eye; if it happens with any weakness, facial droop, or speech difficulty, call 911.

A curtain, veil, or shadow moving across your vision. Classic retinal detachment. Every hour matters, particularly before the macula becomes involved.

A sudden shower of new floaters. Dozens or hundreds of specks appearing at once suggests a retinal tear with bleeding.

Persistent flashing lights. Arcs or streaks of light, especially in the periphery, indicate traction on the retina.

New or rapidly worsening distortion, or a new dark spot in central vision. Often the first sign of wet AMD or new fluid in a treated eye.

Severe eye pain with vision loss, halos, nausea, or a red eye. May indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma — an emergency.

Vision loss after eye surgery or an injection, with increasing pain and redness. Rule out infection immediately.

Any eye trauma with penetrating injury, chemical exposure, or vision change. Chemical splash: irrigate with clean water for 15 minutes on the way to care.

Urgent, But Usually Within Days

• Gradual new floaters without flashes
• Slowly worsening blur over weeks
• Double vision — often needs neurologic as well as eye evaluation
• Mild eye ache with normal vision

Not Emergencies

• Occasional stable floaters you have had for years
• Brief dryness or irritation that resolves with lubricating drops
• Eye strain after long screen sessions

What to Do When You Call

Tell the staff exactly what you are experiencing and when it began — those two details determine how fast you are seen. Do not eat if you might need urgent surgery, arrange a driver, and bring your medication and insurance information.

If It Is After Hours

Go to the emergency room for trauma, chemical injury, or sudden complete vision loss, and call our office as soon as it opens so we can arrange follow-up.

Our patients can reach us at (954) 633-8202 for urgent retinal concerns at our Coconut Creek and Delray Beach offices.