So, when you notice an eye problem, it’s only natural to feel alarmed. What could it mean if you’re seeing spots in your vision? What if you can never get that speck of dirt — or worse, piece of metal — out of your eye? Will your sight ever be the same? 

Luckily, your America’s Best optometrist can help you with most eye-related issues. “We can handle a lot of problems,” says Amanda Van Daalen, O.D., an optometrist with America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Coralville, Iowa. 

But there are some eye problems that need emergency treatment. Here’s a guide to which eye problems can be solved by a trip to America’s Best — and which ones might require a different doctor to treat. 

Have questions about your eye health or vision? Your America’s Best optometrist is here to help. Click here to find an exam time that fits your schedule.  

There’s Something Stuck in Your Eye 

Who to call: Optometrist 

Your optometrist takes care of a lot of what’s called “foreign body removals” from eyes. A speck of dirt, debris, or even metal all qualify as foreign bodies.  

“Many people wait to see if it resolves on its own,” says Dr. Van Daalen. “But doing so can open you up to problems that make removal more complicated.” (For example, metal can rust if left in the eye, she says.) 

It’s safer to call your optometrist and let a pro handle it. Plus, a visit to America’s Best is typically cheaper than a drop-in at an urgent care. 

You Wake Up With Crusty Eyelids 

Who to call: Primary care physician or optometrist, depending on the situation. 

When you wake up with crusty, oozing eyes, you suspect it’s the dreaded pink eye. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis) include:

• The white of the eye appearing pink or red 
• Eyelid swelling 
• Eye discharge, such as pus or mucus 
• Crusting around the eyelid and eyelashes 
• Sensations of burning, irritation, or itching 

In terms of treating pink eye, it depends on what type of pink eye you have and any accompanying symptoms. There are three kinds of pink eye, including: 

• Viral, which is caused by a virus like the common cold or flu 
• Bacterial, which is caused by a bacterial infection 
• Allergic, which is caused when your eye encounters an irritant like pollen or cigarette smoke 

It’s a good idea for your first visit to be to the eye doctor, says Dr. Van Daalen, so you can get a proper diagnosis. 

Most cases of viral pink eye clear up within a week or two without any treatment, according to the CDC. There are no eye drops or medications that can treat viral pink eye, according to the American Optometric Association. Like any virus, it has to run its course. Cold compresses and artificial tears can make your eyes more comfortable in the meantime. 

Mild bacterial pink eye also often clears up on its own, reports the CDC. But in some cases your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to speed healing and help prevent the problem from getting worse.  

Pink eye that’s brought on by allergies will require treating the underlying allergies, she says. 

If you also have other symptoms along with pink eye, like fatigue or fever, your weakened immune system may have played a role in your pink eye. Your primary care physician will know the best way to treat your underlying infection, which will in turn treat your pink eye. 

Finally, if your pink eye symptoms don’t resolve within two weeks, it’s a good idea to visit your optometrist again. They can reexamine your eyes to check for signs of infection or refer you to a family physician. 

You’re Experiencing Eye Pain 

Who to call: Optometrist 

There are a variety of conditions that can lead to eye pain. The main culprit is usually an eye infection caused by a virus or bacteria. 

“Most eye pain I see comes from people not properly taking care of their contacts, which leads to an infection,” says Dr. Van Daalen. “This is something we see a lot of, and we can take care of it, no problem.” 

Eye pain can also stem from issues such as: 

• Dry eye 
• Sinus problems 
• Eye diseases such as glaucoma 
• Neuropathy 
• Eyestrain 
• Headache 

If the cause of your eye pain is not directly related to your eye (such as eye pain from sinus pressure), your optometrist may refer you to a specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT). 

But it’s a good idea to start with your eye doctor so they can rule out an eye infection. If your doctor does spot an infection, they can write you a prescription for medication or medicated eye drops to treat the infection. 

You Scratched Your Eye 

Who to call: Optometrist 

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on your cornea, the clear outer layer of your eye. This type of injury can be really painful. 

Your optometrist can examine your eye and prescribe medication to prevent infection and lessen discomfort.  

“The eye is really resilient and heals quite quickly,” says Dr. Van Daalen. Depending on what caused the scratch (a tree branch, for instance), your optometrist will also be on the lookout for a fungal eye infection and prescribe medication as needed, she adds. 

Press play for more on what to do if your eye gets scratched: 

You Popped Blood Vessels in Your Eye 

Who to call: Optometrist (but wait and see) 

“The eye is white and is made up of very thin tissue, so you can see the blood vessels on the front of the eyes,” says Dr. Van Daalen. “Sometimes we do pop them with straining.”  

When blood vessels in the eye break open, it’s usually because you exerted or strained yourself in some way, such as: 

• Helping neighbors move a couch 
• Lifting heavy boxes 
• Vomiting from the stomach flu 

A popped blood vessel in the eye might look scary, but this type of injury usually resolves on its own in a few weeks. And if you know that straining in some way is what caused the blood vessel to rupture, then you likely don’t need to call your optometrist. 

However, if you’re experiencing pain or if some kind of trauma to your eye caused the injury, visit your optometrist, says Dr. Van Daalen. 

You’re Suddenly Seeing Floaters or Flashes of Light 

Who to call: 911 

This is an emergency, so skip the optometrist or your primary care provider and go straight to the emergency room. 

“Flashes of light and floaters can sometimes be a sign of a retinal detachment,” says Dr. Van Daalen. “I need to get these patients to a specialist really quickly." 

Retinal detachment occurs when your retina, which is a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye, pulls away from its normal position, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). If not addressed promptly, retinal detachment can result in vision loss. 

Freeze treatment or surgery may be needed to reattach your retina, according to the NEI. 

Your Vision Changes Suddenly 

Who to call: 911

It’s normal to lose some vision gradually over time, especially if you’re around age 45. But sudden vision loss is not normal. 

This is another symptom of retinal detachment, but it can also be caused by other emergencies, such as: 

• A blood vessel blockage in your retina 
• Inflammation to the optic nerve 
• A stroke, according to a report in the medical journal JAMA 

All these conditions require immediate medical attention. If you notice a sudden vision change, call 911 or head to the emergency room right away.

Has it been a while since your last eye exam? Now’s the time to book an appointment!

See our sources: 
Pink eye symptoms: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Pink eye treatment: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Pink eye overview: American Optometric Association 
Eye pain causes and treatment: Mount Sinai 
Retinal detachment overview: National Eye Institute 
Study on sudden vision loss: JAMA