Emergency Eye Care

Eye emergencies can happen suddenly, from injuries and accidents to sudden changes in vision. Because the eyes are delicate and easily damaged, untreated injuries can result in permanent vision loss or blindness.

At Coachella Valley Optometry, we provide urgent care for a wide range of eye emergencies. With offices in Indio, Coachella, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs, our doctors are here to protect your vision when every moment counts.

What Counts as an Eye Emergency?

You should seek immediate care if you experience any of the following:

• Trauma, cuts, or scratches to the eye or eyelid
• A foreign object in the eye
• Chemical burns or exposure (cleaning products, solvents, or fumes)
• Blunt injuries (sports or accidents)
• Sudden, painful red eye or blurred vision
• Severe headaches with eye pain (possible sign of glaucoma or stroke)
• Unequal pupil size
• Double vision or partial loss of vision
• New eye bulging, swelling, or abnormal movement

Common Eye Injuries & Conditions

Black Eye

Usually caused by blunt trauma, a black eye causes bruising, swelling, and discoloration. While often minor, internal eye injuries may also be present and require medical attention.

Hyphema

A serious condition where blood collects inside the front of the eye, often from a sports injury. Hyphema requires urgent evaluation to prevent permanent vision damage.

Chemical Injuries

Household cleaners, garden chemicals, and industrial substances can cause severe burns. Alkaline chemicals (like drain cleaners or lye) are especially dangerous and can cause permanent corneal damage. Immediate flushing with water or saline is critical.

Photic Retinopathy

Also called solar retinopathy, this is retinal damage from staring at the sun, welding arcs, or other intense light sources. Symptoms may include blurry vision, blind spots, or light sensitivity.

What To Do in an Eye Emergency

Do:

• Rinse with clean water or saline immediately if exposed to chemicals
• Apply a cold compress for trauma (without applying pressure)
• Cover both eyes if there is bleeding inside the eye
• Seek immediate medical attention

Do NOT:

• Rub or press on the eye
• Try to remove foreign objects on your own
• Use tweezers or tools inside the eye
• Self-treat with unapproved eye drops or ointments

Contact lens wearers: Do not remove lenses during an injury unless chemicals are involved and flushing has not removed them.

Preventing Eye Injuries

Many eye emergencies can be prevented by:

• Wearing protective eyewear during sports or when using tools
• Following instructions when working with chemicals
• Keeping sharp objects out of children’s reach
• Avoiding direct sun or bright light exposure without proper protection
• Staying away from amateur fireworks

​​​​​​​Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Eye Care in the Coachella Valley

If you are experiencing an eye emergency, don’t wait. Contact Coachella Valley Optometry immediately. We proudly provide urgent care at our offices in Indio, Coachella, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs, CA.

Call us right away if you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain, or trauma to the eye. Protecting your eyesight starts with fast, professional care.