emergency eye care-- call us first!

Call our office at 850.769.1404 for same day service or for after hours directions.  Dr. Byers makes herself available to her patients or family of patients for any ocular emergencies.  Removal of foreign objects from the eye, treatment of abrasions of the eye and prescribing medication for conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) are a few of the many conditions we frequently treat. Many eye injuries should be treated quickly.  Before going to urgent care or emergency room or even your primary care doctor for an eye problem, call your Academy of Eye Care specialist.

common ocular emergencies

• Flashes of Light & Sudden Floaters-- this could mean that there is a serious problem in the back of the eye.  Sometimes the problem is a normal aging change call a posterior vitreous detachment, however, there is no way of knowing the cause of the flashes until we examine your eyes.  Retinal detachments are often vision-threatening.  Early diagnosis is key  to prompt treatment.    
• Eye Pain-- The cornea has more nerve pain sensors than any other part of the body.  Injury to this "clear window" on the front of the eye can be incredibly painful and vision threatening!  Expediting treatment for this type is injury is very important.  Inflammation behind the cornea (anterior chamber) called uveitis or iritis caused by rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, other auto-immune disorders, or even injury can cause intense pain and light sensitivity.  This condition needs to be treated as soon as possible.   
• Sudden Blurry Vision-- If you have sudden blurred vision that happens suddenly and persists, consider this an emergency.  If one eye goes suddenly dark, like a "curtain going down", this could indicate a retinal problem or even a stroke.  If its just minor blurring that comes and goes, this could mean dryness or eye strain.  In this case, try resting your eyes and see the doctor if the blurriness persists.