At Casey Optical Co., we provide prompt and effective emergency eye care in Albuquerque, NM, to protect your vision and relieve discomfort. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Christine Kniffen, is well-equipped to assess and address a wide range of eye emergencies, from infections to foreign objects in the eye. These visits are billed through your medical insurance. 

If you’re dealing with an eye emergency, contact our office immediately so we can help. While some eye emergencies require a trip to the emergency room, many situations are best handled by an optometrist who is specially trained in eye infections and foreign body removal. 

When should you get emergency eye care?    

If something gets stuck in your eye, such as metal or wood shavings, our expert optometrist, Dr. Kniffen, can safely remove the object while minimizing damage to your eye. She also treats eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye).      

Get in touch with us immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: 

• Burning or stinging eyes  
• One eye isn’t moving like the other eye  
• Decreased vision or double vision  
• Increased sensitivity to light  
• Blood on the white part of the eye  
• Eye discharge  
• Severe itching sensation in the eye  
• New or severe headaches  

If you’re noticing an increase in eye floaters, flashes of light, or a dark curtain on the side of your vision, it could be a sign of retinal detachment. This is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us immediately for an eye exam and prompt treatment. 

Steps to take during an eye emergency   

Eye emergencies can be scary, but it’s important to stay calm and take the appropriate steps to avoid making it worse. Here are some steps to take during an eye emergency: 

• If chemicals get into your eyes, flush your eyes with water for 10-15 minutes and don’t cover the affected eye.   
• If you have something in your eyes, avoid rubbing them to prevent further damage and reduce the spread of any germs, bacteria, or infections.   
• To prevent swelling around your eye after an injury, apply a cold compress. Gently apply the compress to your eyes to avoid irritation.    
• Avoid driving if you are experiencing an eye emergency or vision problems.   

Once you’ve received emergency eye care from a qualified optometrist, it’s essential to follow their treatment plan closely and adhere to any home remedies they recommend. This may include using eye drops or compresses as directed. 

The treatment for eye emergencies will vary depending on the specific case, but most issues can be resolved quickly when properly treated by a knowledgeable optometrist. 

Schedule emergency eye exam in Albuquerque 

When it comes to eye emergencies, time is of the essence. Quick treatment is crucial to minimize the risk of permanent damage or vision loss. If you are currently experiencing an eye emergency, contact us immediately to schedule an emergency eye exam in Albuquerque.