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Eye discomfort is common, but severe eye pain combined with redness is not something to ignore. While some eye issues are mild and resolve on their own, others can signal a serious condition that requires immediate emergency eye care. Knowing when eye pain and redness cross the line into an emergency can help protect your vision and prevent permanent damage.

When Eye Pain and Redness Are Concerning

Not all red eyes are emergencies. Allergies, dry eye, or minor irritation can cause temporary redness and discomfort. However, intense pain, worsening redness, or sudden vision changes are red flags that should prompt urgent evaluation.

Eye emergencies often develop quickly and may worsen without prompt treatment. If symptoms feel severe, unusual, or out of proportion to what you’ve experienced before, it’s safest to seek care right away.

Acute Glaucoma

A sudden increase in eye pressure can cause severe eye pain, redness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights. This is a true eye emergency that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.

Corneal Ulcers or Infections

Infections of the cornea can be extremely painful and may result from contact lens use, eye injuries, or untreated infections. Symptoms often include redness, light sensitivity, tearing, discharge, and decreased vision.

Uveitis (Eye Inflammation)

Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that can cause deep eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. It may be linked to autoimmune conditions or infections and requires urgent care to prevent complications.

Eye Trauma or Foreign Objects

Any injury to the eye - such as being struck, scratched, or having something lodged in the eye - can cause severe pain and redness. Even small injuries can lead to serious infections or internal damage if untreated.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Seek emergency eye care immediately if you experience:

•           Severe or worsening eye pain

•           Sudden redness with vision changes

•           Blurred or distorted vision

•           Sensitivity to light

•           Eye injury or trauma

•           Discharge accompanied by pain

•           Headache, nausea, or vomiting with eye pain

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition that cannot wait for a routine eye exam.

Why Prompt Emergency Eye Care Matters

The eyes are delicate and highly sensitive. Delaying treatment for serious eye conditions can result in permanent vision loss, scarring, or long-term complications. Emergency eye care allows for rapid diagnosis, pain relief, and targeted treatment to protect your eyesight.

Expert Eye Care When You Need It Most

Severe eye pain and redness are not symptoms to ignore. While some eye issues are minor, others can escalate rapidly and threaten your vision. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking emergency eye care promptly can help prevent serious complications and preserve your sight.

If you or a loved one is experiencing severe eye pain, redness, or sudden vision changes, don’t wait. Contact Super Optical Express right away to receive prompt, professional emergency eye care and protect your vision when it matters most. Visit our office in Gainesville, Florida, or call (352) 702-9700 today.