A close up of a man with a light on his eye as a doctor examines his eye

What to Do & Where to Go for Urgent Eye Concerns 

If you are experiencing sudden vision changes, eye pain, or symptoms that don’t feel normal, it is essential to act quickly, even if you are unsure whether it is an emergency. We provide guidance during business hours for many non-urgent eye concerns, and we will help you determine whether you need immediate care elsewhere. 

We do not offer after-hours services; however, we can help direct you to the appropriate resources.

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Eye Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Certain symptoms should never be ignored. You may need emergency care if you are experiencing: 

  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes 
  • Severe eye pain or headache behind the eyes 
  • Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters 
  • A foreign object embedded in the eye 
  • Eye trauma from an accident, fall, or injury 
  • Sudden onset of double vision 
  • Chemical exposure to the eye 
  • Eye swelling combined with fever or discharge 

In these cases, go to the nearest emergency room or call your primary care provider immediately. 

Situations We May Be Able to Assess During Office Hours

While we do not operate as an emergency clinic, we can assist with certain mild or non-urgent eye issues during our regular business hours, subject to schedule availability. These may include common children’s eye concerns and other minor conditions:

  • Mild eye redness or irritation 
  • Itchy, watery, or burning eyes 
  • Allergic reactions without swelling or discharge 
  • Gradual changes in vision 
  • Eyelid swelling without injury 
  • Concerns about a minor scratch or irritation 

If you're unsure, please call us. We will listen to your symptoms and help you decide if an in-office visit is appropriate or if emergency care is a better option.

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What to Do If You Have an Eye Emergency

If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or involve your vision, follow these steps right away:

  • Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes.
  • Remove contact lenses if you are wearing them.
  • Rinse your eyes with clean water if you have been exposed to chemicals.
  • Do not try to remove any object stuck in the eye.
  • Visit the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Immediate treatment may help prevent permanent vision loss. 

Emergency Eye Care in Brooklyn, New York

While Mermaid Optical does not offer emergency or after-hours care, the following hospitals and facilities can handle urgent eye conditions:

NYU Langone Hospital: Brooklyn150 55th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220(718) 630-7000 

Maimonides Medical Center: Emergency Department4802 10th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219(718) 283-6000 

SUNY College of Optometry: Manhattan33 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036(212) 938-4000 

We recommend calling ahead to check current wait times and confirm service availability. 

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Not Sure What to Do? Call Our Office First

If you are experiencing symptoms but are unsure whether they require emergency care, contact our office during business hours. Our staff will discuss your symptoms with you and help determine your next steps.