Eye Emergency? We Can Help

If you're experiencing a severe eye emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately. For urgent but non-life-threatening eye issues, call us at (732) 248-8889 for same-day care.

Call Now: (732) 248-8889

Emergency Eye Care in Metuchen, NJ

Eye emergencies require prompt, professional care. At Metuchen Vision, our experienced optometrists provide same-day emergency eye care for Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge, and surrounding New Jersey communities. Whether you're dealing with sudden vision loss, eye pain, injuries, or infections, we're here to help protect your vision.

When to Seek Emergency Eye Care

•Sudden vision loss or significant vision changes
•Eye trauma or injury from impact, chemicals, or foreign objects
•Severe eye pain that won't go away
•Chemical burns to the eye
•Flashes of light or sudden increase in floaters
•Foreign object stuck in eye that won't wash out
•Eye cuts or punctures
•Double vision that appears suddenly

Urgent Eye Conditions We Treat

Eye Infections: Pink eye (conjunctivitis), styes, and corneal infections
Corneal Abrasions: Scratches on the eye surface causing pain and light sensitivity
Foreign Bodies: Metal, wood, or other particles lodged in the eye
Chemical Exposure: Splashes of household cleaners, workplace chemicals, or irritants
Retinal Issues: Retinal detachment symptoms, macular holes, or vitreous detachment
Acute Glaucoma: Sudden increase in eye pressure causing severe pain
Allergic Reactions: Severe eye swelling, redness, or allergic conjunctivitis
Contact Lens Problems: Stuck lenses, overwear syndrome, or infection

What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit

1. Immediate Assessment

Our optometrist will quickly evaluate your condition to determine the severity and appropriate treatment. We prioritize cases based on urgency to ensure you receive prompt care.

2. Thorough Examination

Using advanced diagnostic equipment, we'll examine your eye in detail. This may include checking vision, eye pressure, examining the retina, and using specialized instruments to locate foreign objects or assess injuries.

3. Immediate Treatment

Depending on your condition, treatment may include foreign object removal, medication prescriptions, eye irrigation, temporary eye patching, or specialized procedures. We'll also provide pain relief when appropriate.

4. Follow-Up Care Plan

We'll schedule necessary follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure complete recovery. You'll receive detailed instructions for home care and warning signs to watch for.

First Aid for Eye Emergencies

Chemical in Eye

Immediately flush eye with clean water for 15-20 minutes
Remove contact lenses if wearing them
Keep flushing while someone calls for emergency help
Do NOT rub your eye
Call us or 911 immediately after flushing

Foreign Object in Eye

Do NOT rub your eye
Blink several times to see if tears flush it out
Lift upper eyelid over lower lid to dislodge particle
Rinse with clean water or saline solution
If object won't come out, call us immediately
Never try to remove embedded objects yourself

Eye Injury or Trauma

Do NOT touch, rub, or apply pressure to the eye
Do NOT try to remove objects stuck in the eye
Shield the eye with a rigid cover (cup or cone)
Do NOT give aspirin (can increase bleeding)
Call 911 for severe injuries
Call us immediately for professional evaluation

Sudden Vision Changes

Note when the change started
Cover one eye at a time to determine which eye is affected
Do NOT drive if vision is significantly impaired
Call us immediately - this could indicate retinal detachment
Rest in a comfortable position until evaluated
If accompanied by headache or neurological symptoms, call 911

Common Eye Emergencies Explained

Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye)

A scratch on the cornea's surface, often caused by fingernails, contact lenses, or foreign objects. Symptoms include severe pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and feeling like something is in your eye. We can diagnose with fluorescein dye and provide immediate relief with medication and protective patching.

Retinal Detachment

A serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. Warning signs include sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow over vision. This requires immediate attention as prompt treatment can prevent permanent vision loss.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

A sudden increase in eye pressure causing severe pain, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights. This medical emergency requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision damage. We can diagnose and initiate treatment or refer for emergency surgery if needed.

Eye Infection (Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye)

While not always an emergency, bacterial or viral eye infections can worsen quickly and spread easily. Seek same-day care if you have severe redness, pain, discharge, or vision changes. We can determine if you need antibiotic drops or other treatment.

Eye Emergency? Contact Us Now

Don't wait when it comes to your vision. Our emergency eye care services are here to protect your eyes and preserve your sight.

Call (732) 248-8889 Request Same-Day Appointment

Located at 43 Bridge Street, Bldg A, Metuchen, NJ 08840 | Serving Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge, Highland Park, and New Brunswick