Not Every Emergency Happens on a Schedule
One moment your eyes feel fine, then suddenly, you’re dealing with sharp pain, blurry vision, or an unexpected injury. In these situations, knowing where to go for urgent care can make all the difference.
At Market Mall Optometry in NW Calgary, we provide walk-in eye emergency care for patients who need immediate help. Whether it’s a foreign object in your eye, a sudden change in vision, or a chemical splash, we offer fast access to professional care, advanced diagnostics, and treatment—all without waiting for a scheduled exam.
If you’re unsure whether your situation counts as an emergency, it’s better to play it safe. Our optometrists can evaluate your symptoms and guide you to the right level of care.
What Counts as an Eye Emergency?
1. Sudden Vision Changes or Loss
If you experience blurred vision, double vision, light flashes, floaters, or partial/complete vision loss, this counts as an eye emergency and it’s critical to be seen right away. These symptoms may be signs of:
- Retinal detachment
- Optic nerve inflammation
- Stroke-related vision damage
- Acute glaucoma
Don’t wait to “see if it gets better.” Walk in immediately or call us for guidance.
2. Eye Injuries or Foreign Objects
From getting hit during sports to small particles of dust or metal entering the eye, trauma and foreign bodies can cause serious harm. If something is stuck in your eye or if you’ve been injured, do not try to remove anything yourself.
Walk-in emergency care at Market Mall Optometry allows for safe removal, pain relief, and a full exam to ensure no lasting damage.
3. Chemical Exposure or Burns
Exposure to cleaning agents, aerosols, or industrial chemicals can quickly damage the eye’s surface. The most important thing to do first is flush your eye with clean water for at least 15–20 minutes. Then come directly to the clinic for further treatment and evaluation.
Chemical injuries require urgent care to prevent infection, inflammation, or vision loss.
4. Redness, Swelling, or Sudden Pain
These could signal serious infections, acute inflammation, or even eye pressure spikes that need fast attention. Conditions like uveitis, keratitis, or acute angle-closure glaucoma often present with these symptoms and should not be ignored.
Our optometrists in NW Calgary are equipped to diagnose and treat urgent conditions before they become long-term problems.
5. Contact Lens Complications
Pain, burning, or cloudy vision while wearing contacts could mean an abrasion or infection. We often see walk-in patients who left lenses in too long or are reacting to a cleaning solution. We can remove the lens safely, relieve symptoms, and treat the issue quickly.
Fast, Professional Help for Your Eye Emergency
When eye issues happen suddenly, you need expert care right away. Market Mall Optometry in NW Calgary offers walk-in emergency eye care to treat injuries, infections, sudden vision changes, and more. Our experienced team will assess your symptoms, begin treatment, and guide you through next steps—all with compassion and urgency.
If you're unsure whether your symptoms are serious, don’t take chances with your sight. Contact us or walk in today for immediate attention.
FAQs
Q: What qualifies as an eye emergency?
A: Sudden vision loss, pain, injury, chemical exposure, or foreign objects in the eye are all considered emergencies. If you are experiencing an eye emergency, contact Market Mall Optometry immediately.
Q: Should I go to the ER or optometrist for an eye emergency?
A: Visit your optometrist first if possible—optometrists are trained to handle most eye emergencies. Go to the ER if the eye is bleeding, severely swollen, or if it’s after hours.
Q: Can I walk in for an eye emergency at Market Mall Optometry?
A: Yes. We offer walk-in emergency care during clinic hours. Call ahead if possible, but no appointment is necessary.
