Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Overview
Eye conditions range from mild, self-limiting infections to genuine ophthalmic emergencies that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. This page covers the ten most common eye injuries and infections seen in urgent care, clearly identifying which require same-day emergency treatment and which can be managed with standard medical care.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Inflammation of the conjunctiva that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. One of the most frequently seen eye conditions in urgent care.
- Redness of the eye
- Itching or burning sensation
- Watery or thick discharge
- Crusting of the eyelids, particularly in the morning
- Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial cases
- Antihistamine drops for allergic conjunctivitis
- Supportive care (cool compresses, artificial tears) for viral cases
Stye (Hordeolum)
A bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or oil gland at the eyelid margin, causing a localised painful swelling.
- Painful red lump on the eyelid
- Swelling and tenderness around the lump
- Sensation of something in the eye
- Occasional discharge or crusting
- Warm compresses applied several times daily
- Antibiotic ointment or drops as prescribed
- Incision and drainage if the stye does not resolve
Blepharitis
Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, resulting from bacterial overgrowth, skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, or oil gland dysfunction.
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Flaky skin along the lash line
- Gritty or burning sensation in the eye
- Crusting at the base of the eyelashes
- Warm compresses to loosen crusts and debris
- Gentle lid cleaning with baby shampoo or commercial lid scrubs
- Antibiotic ointments where bacterial infection is confirmed
Corneal Abrasion
A scratch on the surface of the cornea, commonly caused by foreign objects, fingernails, or trauma to the eye.
- Sharp, sudden eye pain
- Excessive tearing
- Redness and visible irritation
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Lubricating eye drops to soothe the surface
- Antibiotic ointment to prevent secondary infection
- Avoid contact lenses until the cornea has fully healed
Keratitis
Inflammation or infection of the cornea, often caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or contact lens overuse. Requires prompt medical treatment to prevent permanent corneal scarring.
- Eye pain and redness
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Discharge from the eye
- Antiviral drops for viral keratitis
- Antibiotic drops for bacterial keratitis
- Antifungal medication for fungal keratitis
- Avoid all contact lens use during treatment
Uveitis
Inflammation of the uvea — the middle layer of the eye — which can arise from autoimmune conditions, infections, or direct injury to the eye.
- Eye pain and significant redness
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Floaters in the visual field
- Steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation
- Immunosuppressive medications in refractory or autoimmune cases
- Treatment of any underlying systemic condition
Foreign Body in the Eye
Foreign particles such as dust, grit, metal, or sand embedded on or in the eye surface, causing significant irritation and potential injury to the cornea.
- Intense irritation and tearing
- Redness and visible inflammation
- Persistent gritty or scratching feeling
- Pain that worsens with blinking
- Flush the eye immediately with clean water or saline
- Medical removal if flushing is unsuccessful
- Antibiotic drops after removal to prevent infection
Chemical Burn
Chemical injury to the eye caused by exposure to acids, alkalis, or other harmful substances. Alkali burns are generally more severe due to deeper tissue penetration.
- Intense, immediate eye pain
- Severe redness and swelling
- Blurred vision or vision loss
- Tearing and light sensitivity
- Flush the eye immediately with water or saline for a minimum of 15 minutes
- Remove contact lenses before or during flushing if possible
- Emergency medical care is critical — call 911
Hyphema
Bleeding into the anterior chamber of the eye — the fluid-filled space between the cornea and iris — usually resulting from blunt trauma to the eye or surrounding area.
- Visible blood in the front of the eye
- Eye pain
- Blurred or impaired vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Protect the eye with a shield — avoid all pressure
- Elevate the head to encourage blood settling
- Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs — these increase bleeding risk
- Urgent ophthalmology referral required
Orbital Fracture
A fracture of one or more bones forming the eye socket (orbit), caused by significant blunt force trauma to the face or eye area — such as from a punch, sporting injury, or accident.
- Bruising and significant swelling around the eye
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Restricted or painful eye movement
- Numbness of the cheek or upper lip
- CT scan for definitive diagnosis and fracture mapping
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling in the acute phase
- Surgical repair may be required depending on fracture severity
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Go to a hospital emergency room immediately — do not wait for an appointment — if you experience any of the following warning signs. These indicate potentially sight-threatening conditions that require emergency treatment.