Eye Emergencies in Columbia

Eye Emergencies in Columbia

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

(573) 446-0331

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 Eyes On Missouri - Columbia for emergency eye care.

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

eye emergency treated at Eyes On Missouri - Columbia

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 Columbia 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 Columbia as soon as possible.

Patient Reviews
4.5
392 Reviews
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- Dec. 19, 2024
I just love this place my grandbaby goes to it and I decide to go to it because good people was ther... e taking time out did not rush and always smile at you and gave us good feeling about the place
- Dec. 03, 2024
This place was amazing, very friendly staff and Dr, Highly recommend this place to anyone, they are ... great with kids too. Love how they explained everything
- Nov. 29, 2024
I was impressed with how personal and friendly the staff were.
- Nov. 22, 2024
Good experience
- Oct. 26, 2024
Thanks a lot
- Oct. 24, 2024
Great costumer service
- Oct. 23, 2024
Very helpful in Medicare qualifications and the assistance to picking nice looking eyeglasses were a... mazing. I get lots of compliments on my new glasses not to mention I can see much better with them.
- Sep. 29, 2024
Excellent customer service!
- Sep. 02, 2024
Excellent experience
- Aug. 31, 2024
The employees are always friendly and so nice! The physicians are polite as well and takes the time ... to explain everything.
- Aug. 26, 2024
I went in for a appointment, had to wait for a very long time with a appointment, then after 2 wee... ks finally got my glasses, a month later the ear piece on my glasses broke, took them back and the receptionist was extremely rude and informed me I would have to buy new frames, that's crazy,said I didn't purchased a warranty well that's because I was never offered to buy a warranty, glasses should last more then 1 month, THEY ARE EXTREMELY RUDE
- Aug. 07, 2024
Where is the office?
- Jul. 19, 2024
I'm so Thankful Dr Renner is back! Always a pleasure to see her and she's take care of my Family as ... well!!!
- Jun. 28, 2024
The staff was very friendly, polite and very helpful. Just the overall good experience at eyes on Mi... ssouri
- Jun. 23, 2024
Dr and staff were great! My legs broken and staff brought my glasses outside to fit them so I didn't... have to struggle getting inside😁
- Apr. 29, 2024
Great at always. Care team is very attentive and always ready to answer questions.
- Apr. 21, 2024
Very good staff and doctor! Highly recommend.
- Mar. 22, 2024
Everyone was very thorough, friendly, and quick!
- Feb. 05, 2024
I really appreciate the staff and their ability to make sure you have what you need.
- Jan. 23, 2024
They are friendly and helpful. The eye doctor is really nice.

View All 392 Reviews

Urgent Eye Care in Columbia

Our optometry practice in Columbia

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Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife
  • Blue Cross

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Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting Eyes On Missouri - Columbia in Columbia without delay!

(573) 446-0331