Red Eye and Eye Emergencies: When to Get Checked Right Away

Woke up with a red, irritated, or painful eye? Maybe it feels like there’s something stuck, or your vision suddenly seems blurry?

While red eyes can sometimes be caused by dryness or allergies, they can also signal a true eye emergency — something that needs professional attention right away to prevent vision loss or complications.

At VIVID VISION CARE in Henderson, NV, we offer same-day appointments for urgent eye problems. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to call your eye doctor.

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Common Causes of Red Eye

A “red eye” happens when the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye become enlarged or irritated.

Some causes are mild, while others can be serious.

Common (non-urgent) causes:

• Dry eye

• Allergies

• Contact lens irritation

• Mild eye fatigue

These are often uncomfortable but usually not dangerous. Artificial tears, rest, and avoiding irritants often help.

More serious causes include:

• Eye infections (conjunctivitis, bacterial or viral)

• Corneal ulcer or abrasion (a scratch on the surface of the eye)

• Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)

• Acute glaucoma (a sudden rise in eye pressure — a true emergency!)

• Foreign body in the eye (like metal, dust, or wood shavings)

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When a Red Eye Is an Emergency

You should call an eye doctor immediately or seek urgent care if you have any of the following:

• Sudden eye pain or light sensitivity

• Blurry or decreased vision

• Discharge or crusting around the eye

• Feeling like something is stuck in the eye

• Swelling around the eyelids or cornea

• Redness in only one eye that doesn’t improve in 24 hours

• History of contact lens wear (especially if painful or red)

• Recent eye injury, trauma, or chemical exposure

These symptoms can signal infections or inflammation that need prescription medication or in-office treatment — not just over-the-counter drops.

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How Vivid Vision Care Handles Eye Emergencies

At VIVID VISION CARE, we understand that eye issues can’t always wait. That’s why we provide same-day emergency visits for red eyes, injuries, and sudden vision changes.

We have the diagnostic tools to quickly identify what’s causing your symptoms — whether it’s an infection, inflammation, or something more serious — and start the right treatment immediately.

We commonly treat:

• Red, painful, or watery eyes

• Styes and eyelid swelling

• Contact lens-related infections

• Corneal abrasions or foreign bodies

• Allergic eye reactions

• Sudden flashes, floaters, or vision loss

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What You Can Do at Home (and What Not to Do)

Do:

• Remove contact lenses if your eye is red or irritated

• Use clean, preservative-free artificial tears for temporary relief

• Call your eye doctor as soon as possible for an exam

Don’t:

• Use “redness-relief” eye drops — they often mask symptoms and can make things worse over time

• Try to remove debris yourself if something is stuck in your eye

• Wait more than 24 hours if symptoms persist or worsen

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Don’t Ignore a Red or Painful Eye

Your eyes are too important to risk. If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, it’s always safer to have it checked — and most eye problems are easier to treat when caught early.

Visit VIVID VISION CARE in Henderson, Nevada for same-day red eye or emergency visits.

Call us at (702) 433-1102 or request an appointment online at vividvisionnv.com.

We’re here to keep your eyes clear, comfortable, and healthy — even when the unexpected happens.