What You Should Do When You Have A Problem: When to Seek Medical Care

If you experience redness, blurred vision, pain, or light sensitivity, you should contact your ophthalmologist or optometrist (only if allowed to treat eye problems). Normally, you will need to be seen that day. If you need to seek help, it is best to try to contact your eye doctor during the day, rather than waiting until evening or late at night.

Most doctors are available 24 hours a day via their answering service. If your ophthalmologist is not available, you should be seen by the ophthalmologist on call, or go to a hospital’s emergency room.

Optometrists and opticians may or may not provide 24-hour availability. If not available, you should ask about the routine if a problem develops after regular office or store hours. Many have an ophthalmologist to whom they refer medical problems; others may tell you to go to a hospital's emergency department.

Because of the specialized nature of eye examination equipment, contact lens problems are best handled in an ophthalmologist's office.

If you cannot contact your ophthalmologist or if your fitter does not manage contact lens problems, you may have to go to an emergency department in the event of significant eye pain, blurred vision, and redness.