Eye Problems Urgent Care Treats
Urgent Care vs ER for Eye Problems
| Go to Urgent Care | Go to the ER or Eye Specialist |
|---|---|
| Pink eye or eye infection | Sudden vision loss or severe vision changes |
| Foreign object (non-penetrating) | Penetrating eye injury |
| Allergic eye reaction | Chemical splash with ongoing pain after rinsing |
| Stye or eyelid swelling | Eye pain with headache, nausea, and halos around lights |
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes — call 911 or go to ER
- Penetrating eye injury (object impaled in eye — do not remove)
- Chemical splash to the eye — rinse for 15 minutes then go to ER
- Eye pain with headache, nausea, and seeing halos (possible glaucoma)
Wash hands frequently. Don’t touch or rub your eyes. Use a separate towel and pillowcase. Don’t share eye drops. Bacterial pink eye is contagious until 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can urgent care treat pink eye?
Yes. Urgent care can diagnose and treat both bacterial and viral pink eye. Bacterial pink eye is treated with antibiotic eye drops. No appointment needed.
Can urgent care remove something from my eye?
Yes. Urgent care can safely remove small foreign bodies like sand, dirt, or metal fragments from the surface of the eye. Do not try to remove it yourself.
When does an eye problem need the ER?
Go to the ER immediately for sudden vision loss, a penetrating eye injury, severe chemical exposure, or eye pain with halos and nausea (signs of acute glaucoma).
Medical Disclaimer: Urgent Care Cicero is a free health information and urgent care directory — we are not a medical provider and do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed doctor or qualified healthcare professional before making any health decision. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Sources: Content is based on publicly available guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus (NIH), and other peer-reviewed medical references.