Your eyesight is one of your most valuable senses, so it’s important to know when to see an Ophthalmologist for an eye problem and when it’s okay to wait a few days. Some eye conditions require urgent care to prevent permanent vision loss, while others may resolve on their own or can be addressed at a routine appointment. Understanding the difference can help you make the right decision for your eye health.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Certain symptoms indicate a potentially serious eye issue that requires an immediate visit to an ophthalmologist. These include:

• Sudden Vision Changes or Loss – If you experience a sudden decrease in vision, whether partial or complete, seek medical attention immediately. This could be a sign of a retinal detachment, stroke, or other serious condition.
• Seeing a Spiderweb, Veil, or Curtain Over Your Vision – A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision may signal a retinal detachment, which requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
• Flashes and New or Suddenly Increasing Floaters – While occasional floaters are common, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light may indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
• Eye Discharge and Matting – If your eye is producing thick discharge, causing your eyelids to stick together, it could be an infection such as bacterial conjunctivitis that requires prompt treatment.
• Severe Eye Pain and Redness – Eye pain, especially when accompanied by redness and vision changes, can be a sign of conditions like acute glaucoma or a serious eye infection that needs immediate care.

When It’s Okay to Wait a Few Days

Some eye issues are bothersome but not emergencies. If you experience the following symptoms, you may be able to wait a few days before seeing an ophthalmologist:

• Long-Term Floaters with No Change – If you’ve had the same floaters for months or years without any sudden increase or accompanying flashes, they are usually harmless.
• Watery Eyes – Excessive tearing is often caused by allergies, dry eye, or environmental factors. If symptoms persist, an eye exam can determine the underlying cause.
• Mild Eye Irritation – Occasional eye redness, dryness, or slight discomfort may be due to minor allergies or dryness. Over-the-counter eye drops may help, but if symptoms worsen, schedule an appointment.

Schedule Your Eye Exam (When Ready) at Paragon

Knowing when to seek immediate care versus when to wait can help you protect your vision. If you’re experiencing any concerning eye symptoms, don’t delay—visit Paragon Eye Associates in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas. Call us at (817) 277-6433 for Arlington or (817) 477-0223 for Mansfield, or fill out the request appointment form below to schedule your exam today!