Same Day Emergency Care
Red Eye and Painful Eyes
A red eye accompanied by pain can be a cause for significant concern. While minor irritations can cause redness, pain often indicates a deeper issue requiring prompt medical attention. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and why seeking professional help is crucial.
Possible Causes
Corneal Ulcer: This open sore on the cornea, the eye’s transparent dome, is excruciatingly painful. It can stem from infections, scratches, or contact lens overuse. Left untreated, it can lead to vision loss.
Iritis: Inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye, causes redness, pain, and light sensitivity. It can be a standalone issue or linked to underlying diseases like arthritis. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent permanent vision damage.
Acute Glaucoma: This sudden rise in eye pressure creates intense pain, blurred vision, and redness. It’s a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to preserve vision.
Why See a Doctor?
While some red eye causes resolve on their own, pain is a red flag. Delaying diagnosis can worsen the underlying condition and potentially lead to permanent vision loss. An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) can pinpoint the cause through tests and examinations. Early treatment with eye drops, medications, or even surgery can prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.
Additional Warning Signs
Beyond pain, be wary of symptoms like:
- Pus or mucus discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Sudden onset of redness
- Eyelid swelling
If you experience any combination of these alongside a red and painful eye, seek medical attention immediately.
Remember: Early diagnosis and proper treatment are critical for a full recovery and preserving vision. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you experience a red and painful eye.
Your eyesight is precious, and anything that threatens the health of your eyes may require same day emergency care in Tullahoma, TN. Because we realize that determining if a situation is urgent, we outline some common scenarios that require a prompt visit to Brady M. Palmer, OD Eye Clinic.
Eye Accidents and Eye Injuries
Maybe you accidentally poked yourself in the eye and now have burning and redness and are concerned about a possible laceration. Burning your eye and having a foreign object stuck in it are related scenarios that always require immediate attention. While you can temporarily relieve pain at home with a cold pack or non-prescription pain relievers, visiting an optometrist is the best thing you can do to ensure that you do not suffer long-term vision issues from an accident or injury.
Change in Pupil Size
The pupil of your eye is the black dot that sits in the center. Your pupils are normally the same size. If you notice either one has changed shape or size, please contact us immediately. The change could be the result of head trauma or an undiagnosed neurological condition. A proper diagnosis is critical to receiving the help you need from Dr. Palmer and a team of other specialists.
Headaches with a Family History of Glaucoma
When enough fluid builds up in your eyes, it will cause you to have frequent headaches or migraines. The pain you experience is often the first obvious symptom of glaucoma, a visual disorder that can be present for many years with no symptoms at all. Scheduling an eye exam is critical to determining what is causing your head pain, especially if your parents or another first-degree relative already have glaucoma.
Reach Out at Any Time
We set time aside in our schedule each day to treat patients who need same day emergency care in Tullahoma TN. Please do not hesitate to contact us if anything seems unusual.
