What You Need to Know About Eye Emergencies And When To Act
Did you know that nearly half of all cases of sight loss are avoidable? I want to emphasise the symptoms that may indicate an eye emergency or what could be a concerning eye condition. If you experience these symptoms, you should know what actions to take and what to avoid. Additionally, I will outline how your local community optician can assist you.
While many minor eye conditions have symptoms that can be easily treated or managed, it’s crucial to investigate any changes in your vision or eye health. Here are some key symptoms that should prompt a visit to your local optician:
- A curtain or veil coming over your vision
- Sudden loss of vision or double vision
- Eye pain
- Experiencing flashing lights or floaters
- Red eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Sudden change in vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to get them checked quickly, just in case they may indicate something serious that requires urgent referral and treatment.
At Respectacle Company in Market Harborough, we usually have clinical availability for eye emergencies. So, it’s worth giving us a call to explain your issues and symptoms. We can then triage your case over the phone and determine whether you need to come in for a full examination or visit one of the accident and emergency departments at Kettering General Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, or the eye casualty department at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

We use the latest technology to deliver superior eye care
We offer a comprehensive eye examination, that includes a hospital-grade OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan. This advanced scan provides detailed images of your eye, allowing us to see through its layers and detect abnormalities much earlier than traditional methods. You can find out more about our optical services here.

Our Optometrist Tim has been working in the industry for 40 years
Based on the consultation with our optometrist, we will recommend the best next steps. If your symptoms indicate a need for urgent care, we may refer you directly to the A&E department at one of the local hospitals. Alternatively, if your condition requires further investigation but does not need immediate treatment, we can schedule a referral without urgency. In these cases, time will not affect the symptoms or the result.
Various options and pathways are available for our customers if the need arises. However, the most important step is to contact an optician if you notice any changes in your vision or eye health. It’s essential to have a thorough eye examination so the optician can recommend the best course of action. After all, our eyes are irreplaceable. We only have one pair, so we must take care of them.

Visit the optical and speak to one of our friendly team
Please get in touch if you are concerned about your vision or the health of your eyes. You can contact the team by calling 01858 433 577 between 9 am and 5 pm, Tuesday to Friday. We are also open from 9 am to 4 pm on a Saturday.
Further reading:
What To Do In An Eye Emergency
Tips For Managing Dry Eyes During Winter
Diabetes And The Effect On Your Eyesight