Emergency Eye Care: When to Visit Us vs. the ER (Save Time and Vision)
When an eye emergency strikes, knowing where to go can mean the difference between saving your vision and unnecessary delays. At Horizon Eye Specialists in Phoenix, we provide urgent eye care for conditions that require immediate attention—but don’t always need an ER visit. Understanding the right place to go can save you time, money, and stress while ensuring you get the specialized care your eyes deserve.
Visit Our Eye Clinic for These Urgent Issues:
- Sudden vision changes, associated with/without sudden flashes, floaters, or shadows – Could signal retinal detachment
- Eye infections (e.g., conjunctivitis/pink eye, styes, or corneal ulcers) – We provide targeted treatment plans like antibiotic drops, oral medications, or ointments that general ERs may not prescribe.
- Eye pain with redness – Possible glaucoma, uveitis, or corneal abrasion
- Foreign objects – Immediate removal and flushing is critical
- Post-surgical complications (after LASIK, cataract surgery, etc.)
When to Go Straight to the ER:
- Traumatic injuries (penetrating objects, fractures, or severe blows to the eye)
- Sudden, painless vision loss (could indicate stroke or vascular issues)
- Severe burns or facial trauma involving the eyes
Remember: for true eye emergencies, time is vision. If you are in doubt, call us first at 623-281-2335. Our eye specialists can assess your symptoms and guide you to the most appropriate care - whether that's coming straight to our office or going to the hospital.
Why Choose Us for Eye Emergencies?
Unlike general ERs, our ophthalmology specialists focus solely on eye health, using precision tools like retinal imaging and slit lamps for accurate diagnoses. Plus, avoiding the ER can reduce exposure to other illnesses and high copays.
Don’t gamble with your vision. Horizon Eye Specialists will guide you on the fastest path to care. Your eyes are our priority!