Eye Emergencies in Central Northwest

Eye Emergencies in Central Northwest

Foreign objects or stabbing pains in your eye? Don’t wait!

(713) 686-3221

Experiencing a stab of pain in your eye?

Sudden changes in vision? Images appearing faded, blurry or foggy?

Got chemicals or another foreign object or substance in your eye?

Come visit Memorial Eye Center - Oak Forest for emergency eye care.

Our Central Northwest optometrists can help you preserve your vision and eye health.

eye emergency treated at Memorial Eye Center - Oak Forest

We understand that accidents happen.

Our optometrists know exactly what to do to help you through your eye care emergency.

Whether it’s a workplace accident, an at-home incident, or some other emergency requiring immediate attention, we’re here to help you preserve your eye health and sight!


What To Do If You Have an Eye Emergency

close-up of eye

First things first. Don’t panic! Staying calm is the best way to help you think straight and help those around you to remain calm. Often, it’s not necessary to go to an emergency room for eye emergencies. In fact, the vast majority of people who go to the emergency room for eye care could have received treatment from their local optometrist instead.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing an eye emergency, give us a call immediately! Delay may increase the risk of serious complications and may result in vision loss.

Until you see your eye doctor or seek urgent care, avoid the following:

  • Don’t try to remove an embedded object out of your eye
  • If your eye is injured, don't press on it or rub it
  • Dry cotton and sharp instruments such as tweezers should never be used on the eye.

Whether you've had a workplace accident or an at-home incident, our eye doctors are here to help


Eye Emergencies FAQs

What is considered an eye emergency?

Eye emergencies are anything that may cause permanent damage to your eyes or vision without timely intervention from an eye care professional.

The most common types of eye emergencies include:

  • A blow, poke or other trauma to the eye
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Chemical spills in the eye
  • Foreign object embedded in the eye
  • Sudden appearance of light flashes or floaters
  • Contact lens lost in the eye
Does an eye infection require urgent care?

Symptoms of an eye infection typically include itching, burning, redness, crusty and watery eyes. See a Central Northwest eye doctor if your symptoms last over 4 days or if you experience intense pain, redness, blurred vision or light sensitivity.

What should I do if a foreign object enters my eye?

Most of the time, a person can easily remove debris from the eye by repeatedly blinking to get the debris out. If that doesn't work, you can wash your eye with saline (sterile salt water) to flush out any dust and dirt from your eye, or use streaming tap water.

However, to scratch your cornea while attempting to get an object out which can cause further site-threatening complications.

So the best thing you can do in this kind of eye emergency is to get to your eye doctor in Central Northwest as soon as possible.

Patient Reviews
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188 Reviews
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- Nov. 04, 2024
In and out quickly. They were able to accommodate me and my family in one visit.
- Sep. 14, 2024
Great beside manners and office is always clean.
- Aug. 29, 2024
10 out of 10 recommend Memorial Eye Center. Dr. Chau is amazing! I can see now! Liliana helped me ch... oose the perfect pair of frames and lenses. I will definitely be returning for next year's exam!
- Aug. 29, 2024
I’m usually very apprehensive about going to a new doctor, but the crew here made everything extre... mely simple and easy for me. From the associates at the front desk to the doctor that got me in and out it was seamless. Dr. Chau was very professional and expedient. Also Liliana and Jackelyn were very attentive to my needs, and gave me great advice on all the different frames that were available with no pressure. I will definitely be returning!
- Aug. 24, 2024
The staff are awesome great customer service and very professional-team
- Jul. 31, 2024
Very understanding after we missed our first appointment .
- Jul. 22, 2024
Great staff and overall good experience. This clinic is also conveniently located for me. I would re... commend. 5/5 Stars
- Jun. 24, 2024
Great staff, very friendly. They are quick and efficient. Very informative.
- Jun. 05, 2024
Very professional and friendly staff. They took care of me and answered all my questions. I’d defi... nitely recommend my family and friends.
- May. 14, 2024
I was a patient of the previous doctor before she relocated.
- Apr. 20, 2024
Easy. Simple no frills.
- Feb. 23, 2024
This place is PHENOMENAL. Everyone that works here is so nice and fantastic at their jobs. I think ... if I ever move, I will make trips back to houston specifically for this company 😊
- Feb. 21, 2024
Great customer service, staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.
- Feb. 16, 2024
Great experience! Seen quickly, everyone was super friendly and helpful
- Jan. 25, 2024
The doctor is amazing along with the staff.
- Dec. 29, 2023
I loved Dr. Chau!! She was helpful listening to all my needs and was very knowledgeable and kind. Sh... e recommended a few things to help with my dry eyes when I answered yes to having dry eyes and remembered to ask and check on previous eye issues from the last visit. Jackie was so sweet as well! She helped me check out and never pushed me to purchase any glasses or contacts. This is my third year seeing Dr. Chau and Jackie, and I’ll be back next year!
- Dec. 22, 2023
I am older and needed glasses for the first time. The first pair were progressives and did not work... for me at all. When I told the staff they found out what the problem was for me and ordered me new lenses that work perfectly. I was very happy with how well they took care of me and everyone that works there is super nice!
- Dec. 05, 2023
The staff and docs at Memorial Eye Center Oak Forest are lovely! The office is clean, organized, and... supports technology like Optomap for retinal imaging. I saw Dr. Chau and was very pleased with her manner and ability to explain eye health. I’ll be coming back for my routine exams and glasses.
- Sep. 13, 2023
Great doctor and staff!
- Aug. 29, 2023
Great service, professional and non-biased medical feedback.

View All 188 Reviews

Urgent Eye Care in Central Northwest

Our optometry practice in Central Northwest

Photograph of Kim-Van  Chau
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • VSP
  • Spectera
  • Metlife Vision
  • United Healthcare
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Woman with red eyes holding her head

Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting Memorial Eye Center - Oak Forest in Central Northwest without delay!

(713) 686-3221