Emergency Visits

Eye emergencies don’t wait for convenient appointments—and neither does Falcon Vision. When unexpected vision problems or eye injuries occur, our team led by Dr. Billy Mendoza, OD, provides the urgent care you need to protect your sight.

We understand the anxiety and discomfort that eye emergencies create, which is why we prioritize your immediate needs with same-day appointments whenever possible. With specialized equipment and years of optometry expertise, we’re equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of emergency eye conditions before they compromise your vision health.

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Understanding Emergency Eye Care

Eye emergencies can range from sudden vision changes to painful injuries that require immediate professional attention. These situations often develop unexpectedly and may worsen quickly without proper care.

Emergency visits for eye-related issues are specialized appointments designed to address urgent conditions that cannot wait for regular scheduling. Recognizing the signs of an eye emergency and knowing when to seek immediate care can make a significant difference in preserving your vision and preventing long-term complications.

Benefits of Emergency Eye Care

Immediate Professional Assessment

When you experience an eye emergency, receiving prompt evaluation from a qualified optometrist is essential. Emergency visits provide you with immediate access to professional assessment, often on the same day you call. This quick response can help prevent complications that might develop if treatment is delayed. With emergency visits, you gain peace of mind knowing that your vision concerns are being addressed promptly by experienced professionals.

Prevention of Vision Loss

Some eye emergencies, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision impairment or complete vision loss. Emergency visits allow for rapid intervention that can preserve your sight in critical situations. Many serious eye conditions respond well to early treatment but can cause irreversible harm if care is delayed. By seeking emergency eye care at the first sign of trouble, you’re taking a crucial step toward safeguarding your sight for the future.

Specialized Equipment and Expertise

Our practice is equipped with advanced technology specifically designed for eye examinations and treatments. Dr. Mendoza has extensive training in diagnosing and treating eye emergencies, providing a level of expertise that general practitioners may not possess. This specialized knowledge allows for more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment of eye-specific conditions, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care for your particular emergency.

Reduction of Pain and Discomfort

Many eye emergencies involve significant pain or discomfort that can be debilitating. We understand that eye pain can be particularly distressing and can affect your ability to function normally. By seeking emergency care, you can receive treatments specifically designed to reduce inflammation, irritation, and pain, helping you return to comfort more quickly.

Comprehensive Follow-Up Care

Unlike emergency rooms where care often ends after your immediate crisis is addressed, emergency visits at an optometry practice include thorough follow-up care. After your initial emergency treatment, we’ll create a comprehensive plan for ongoing care as needed. Regular check-ins after your emergency visit allow us to monitor your recovery and make adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary, providing continuity of care that supports complete healing.

Our Eye Emergency Care Process

Quick Phone Triage

When you contact us with an eye emergency, our first priority is determining the severity of your condition. Our staff is trained to ask key questions that help us understand your symptoms and their urgency. During this initial phone assessment, we’ll schedule you for the earliest possible appointment, often the same day. We may also provide instructions for immediate at-home care to help manage your symptoms until you can reach our office.

Expert Diagnostic Evaluation

Upon arrival for your emergency visit, Dr. Mendoza will conduct a thorough examination tailored to your specific symptoms. This examination may include visual acuity testing, pressure measurements, and detailed inspection of both the exterior and interior structures of your eye. We use specialized equipment to examine all parts of your eye, including areas not visible to the naked eye. This comprehensive approach ensures that we identify not only the obvious problem but also any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your emergency.

On-the-Spot Treatment

After diagnosing your condition, we’ll implement appropriate treatment right away to address your emergency. Treatments may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, bandage contact lenses, or in-office procedures depending on your specific condition. Our priority is stabilizing your condition and relieving your symptoms as quickly as possible. Dr. Mendoza will explain each treatment step clearly, ensuring you understand what’s happening and why it’s necessary for your recovery.

Clear Recovery Guidelines

Before you leave our office, we’ll provide comprehensive instructions for continuing care at home. These instructions may include medication schedules, activity restrictions, and techniques for applying eye drops or ointments. We’ll make sure you understand how to protect your eye during the healing process and what warning signs to watch for. These detailed instructions help empower you to manage your recovery effectively between appointments and prevent complications.

Progress Check Appointments

Every emergency visit includes a planned follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery progress. The timing of this follow-up depends on the nature and severity of your emergency, ranging from the next day to several weeks later. During follow-up visits, Dr. Mendoza will assess how well your treatment is working and make any necessary adjustments. These appointments are crucial for ensuring that your recovery stays on track and that no secondary complications have developed.

Why See Us for Emergency Visits

Choosing the right provider for your eye emergency can significantly impact your outcome and experience. At Falcon Vision, we combine extensive clinical expertise with compassionate care to address your urgent eye needs. Our practice is specifically designed to accommodate emergency visits with flexible scheduling and the necessary equipment for comprehensive examination and treatment.

Dr. Billy Mendoza has specialized training in managing eye emergencies and stays current with the latest treatment protocols. We understand that emergencies are stressful, which is why we focus not just on treating your condition but also on making you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.

Your Vision Can’t Wait – Act Now

When every minute matters for your eye health, hesitation isn’t an option. Dr. Billy Mendoza and the Falcon Vision team stand ready to provide expert emergency care that could save your sight. Don’t risk permanent damage by delaying treatment. Pick up the phone and call 775-322-3777 right now—we’ll make room in our schedule because your vision is our priority.

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FAQs

Where to go for eye emergencies?

An optometry practice like Falcon Vision should be your first choice for most eye emergencies rather than a general emergency room due to our specialized equipment and training. For after-hours emergencies that cannot wait until morning, call our office number 775-322-3777 for guidance on whether to seek immediate care elsewhere.

Is shingles in the eye an emergency?

Yes, shingles affecting the eye (ophthalmic herpes zoster) is considered a true eye emergency requiring immediate professional attention to prevent serious complications including corneal scarring and vision loss. Contact our office immediately if you notice the characteristic pain, redness, and rash around the eye and forehead, as antiviral medications work best when started within 72 hours of symptom onset.

Should I go to the emergency room for pink eye?

For most cases of pink eye, an emergency room visit isn’t necessary, but prompt care from an optometrist is recommended, especially with severe pain, vision changes, or rapidly worsening symptoms. An optometrist can determine whether you have bacterial conjunctivitis requiring antibiotics or a viral form that’s highly contagious but typically self-resolving.

When is eye pain an emergency?

Eye pain becomes an emergency when it’s severe, sudden, or accompanied by vision changes, light sensitivity, headache, nausea, or visible eye damage. Never ignore severe eye pain, especially after an injury, chemical exposure, or with a foreign body sensation, as timely intervention can prevent permanent damage to your vision.

How do I get an emergency eye appointment?

Call our office at 775-322-3777 as soon as your symptoms develop and clearly explain your situation so our staff can assess the urgency. We reserve daily slots specifically for emergencies and will make every effort to see you the same day, with priority given to severe pain, sudden vision loss, or eye injuries.