Eye Emergencies in Pittsburgh

Eye Emergencies in Pittsburgh

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

(412) 854-2222

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 Eyetique - South Hills Village for emergency eye care.

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

eye emergency treated at Eyetique - South Hills Village

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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh as soon as possible.

Patient Reviews
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308 Reviews
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- Oct. 16, 2024
Everyone here was so friendly and made going the eye doctor such an easy experience! I've been putti... ng off getting contacts for YEARS and Dr. Short made it such a smooth process. Amy (I believe that was her name: long dark hair, blue eyes) was SO NICE. My eyes are so sensitive and Amy made me feel comfortable and supported the entire time it took me to get them in and out (45 minutes LOL). She stayed present, gave super helpful tips and techniques, and was patient with me even as I struggled. She also gave me some great advice on getting rebates on contacts via my insurance. I'll definitely be back for my annual appointments! Thanks Amy and team 🙂
- Oct. 10, 2024
This location was great! Getting a yearly eye exam isn't exactly fun or thrilling but this place mad... e it easy. Everyone is helpful and friendly, get in, get out, get your glasses/contacts, get on with your life! I love my new glasses and I even used my vision insurance benefits.
- Sep. 15, 2024
Eyetique is the best optometrist I’ve ever been to! Excellent doctor and staff. Awesome selection ... of products. I will always use them for my eyewear needs.
- Sep. 10, 2024
Eyetique staff are very friendly and accommodating. They will help with even the smallest eye care n... eeds and have become our " go to" place or eye care .
- Sep. 03, 2024
Great experience with lots of good selections of eye glasses.
- Jun. 18, 2024
Everyone was very nice and on time
- Jun. 14, 2024
I have been a loyal Eyetique customer for 12 years now, both the downtown Pittsburgh and South Hills... Village locations. Best service, optometrists, prices and selection around.
- May. 26, 2024
I have been using the SHV location for a few years now and I am always taken at my appointment time,... and the staff is always knowledgeable and kind. And my contacts usually come quicker than expected which is great!
- May. 11, 2024
Great customer service and eye exam
- May. 04, 2024
Great experience choosing glasses, fitting and picking them up!! Natalie was awesome.
- Mar. 29, 2024
Professional, on time appointment, thorough
- Mar. 15, 2024
Great place. Friendly and caring
- Feb. 26, 2024
Outstanding service, inventory, contacts and team members. Thank you
- Feb. 20, 2024
Great staff - always willing to make eyeglass adjustments for me and make sure I am satisfied before... leaving the store
- Feb. 14, 2024
Highly recommended, best place to get your prescription eyeglasses. Quick and right!
- Feb. 02, 2024
Really impressive customer service. The doc and the staff went out of their way to accommodate my n... eeds. Really appreciated.
- Jan. 27, 2024
Very friendly and professional!!
- Dec. 16, 2023
Great people who work there and I got my glasses earlier than expected ! I highly recommend
- Nov. 06, 2023
I went back to have some adjustments made on my new glasses with ease! They fit comfortably now and ... their service is efficient. Their staff members are very friendly and Nate is a very pleasant person.
- Oct. 27, 2023
20/20 Would highly recommend!

View All 308 Reviews

Urgent Eye Care in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

Photograph of Christopher  Short
Hours
  • Monday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Nov. 28 Closed
  • Nov. 29 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VBA
  • Metlife
  • Blue Cross
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Woman with red eyes holding her head

Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting Eyetique - South Hills Village in Pittsburgh without delay!

(412) 854-2222