Emergency Eye Care in Chicago, IL
Eye emergencies can happen at any time — and when they do, fast, expert care is critical. At Ideal Family Eye Care, our experienced optometrists provide prompt emergency eye care for patients throughout the Chicago area. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden eye injury, infection, or unexplained vision changes, call us immediately at (773) 774-2200 and we’ll do everything we can to get you seen as quickly as possible.
request an appointmentWhat Counts as an Eye Emergency?
Not every eye issue is an emergency, but many conditions require prompt attention to prevent lasting damage. At Ideal Family Eye Care, we treat a wide range of urgent eye care situations. Common eye emergencies we see include:
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Eye infections, including conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Corneal scratches or abrasions
- Chemical exposure or burns
- Foreign body in the eye
- Sudden vision loss or significant changes in vision
- Sudden onset of floaters or flashes of light
- Retinal detachment
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Central retinal artery occlusion
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
Conditions such as blepharitis (swollen or inflamed eyelids) and Demodex infestations can also cause significant discomfort and should be treated promptly. If you’re experiencing pain, redness, discharge, or sudden changes in your vision, don’t wait — call Ideal Family Eye Care right away.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room Instead?
While our team at Ideal Family Eye Care can handle most common eye emergencies during office hours, some situations require immediate care at the nearest hospital emergency room. Go directly to the ER if you are experiencing:
- Severe eye trauma or a penetrating injury
- Chemical burns or significant chemical exposure
- Sudden, complete vision loss in one or both eyes
- Signs of retinal detachment, including a sudden increase in floaters and flashes with a shadow or curtain over your vision
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma (sudden eye pain, nausea, headache, and vision changes)
When in doubt, trust your instincts. If you are experiencing severe pain or sudden vision loss, go to the ER immediately. You can also call our office at (773) 774-2200 and our team can help guide you on the appropriate next steps.
Emergency Eye Care Treatments at Ideal Family Eye Care
Our team is equipped to provide a number of treatments for urgent eye care situations, including:
- Eye irrigation and flushes for chemical exposure or foreign body removal
- Prescription antibiotic eye drops for infections
- Topical creams and medications for inflammation and injury
- Corneal scratch treatment and bandage contact lenses
- Referrals to ophthalmologists or specialists when advanced surgical care is needed
We also assist patients with broken, damaged, or lost corrective lenses when you need a quick solution. For any eye emergency in Chicago, IL , call Ideal Family Eye Care immediately at (773) 774-2200.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Eye Care
What should I do if I have an eye emergency?
If you are experiencing an eye emergency, call Ideal Family Eye Care immediately at (773) 774-2200. Our team will assess your situation and arrange for you to be seen as quickly as possible. For severe trauma, chemical burns, or sudden vision loss, go directly to the nearest emergency room.
What eye emergencies does Ideal Family Eye Care treat?
We treat a wide range of urgent eye conditions including eye infections, corneal scratches, foreign body removal, pink eye, sudden vision changes, floaters and flashes, and more. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, call us and we will help you determine the best course of action.
Can I walk in for emergency eye care at Ideal Family Eye Care?
We strongly recommend calling ahead at (773) 774-2200 so we can prepare for your arrival and minimize your wait time. Calling first also helps our team advise you on whether your condition requires immediate ER care.
How do I know if my eye problem is serious enough to require emergency care?
Signs that you need emergency eye care include sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a visible foreign object in the eye, significant redness or discharge, a shadow or curtain in your vision, or a sudden increase in floaters and flashes of light. When in doubt, always call us or seek care right away.
Does Ideal Family Eye Care treat eye infections as emergencies?
Yes. Eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis, and other bacterial or viral infections of the eye are treated promptly at Ideal Family Eye Care. Early treatment can prevent the infection from worsening or spreading.
Can Ideal Family Eye Care help if I lost or broke my glasses or contacts?
Yes. We understand how disruptive it can be to lose or damage your corrective lenses. Call our office and we will do our best to assist you with an emergency prescription or replacement as quickly as possible.
Does Ideal Family Eye Care offer after-hours emergency eye care?
For the most up-to-date information on our emergency availability, please call us at (773) 774-2200. Our team will advise you on next steps based on your situation and the time of day.