Emergency Eye Care San Francisco | Dr. Blas Same-Day
Eye emergencies don't wait for convenient office hours. Whether you're experiencing sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or a traumatic injury in San Francisco, immediate professional care can mean the difference between saving and losing your sight. At Eyes in Disguise Optometry on Union Street in Cow Hollow, Dr. Michelle Blas provides same-day emergency eye care with over 30 years of experience treating urgent ocular conditions. From corneal abrasions to retinal emergencies, our San Francisco practice is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to assess and treat your eye emergency swiftly and effectively.
Understanding Eye Emergencies: When Every Second Counts
Not every red eye or minor irritation constitutes a true emergency, but certain symptoms demand immediate attention. In San Francisco's fast-paced environment, residents often delay seeking care, hoping symptoms will resolve on their own. This can be a costly mistake when it comes to your vision.
Signs You Need Emergency Eye Care Now
Think of your eyes like smoke detectors in your home—certain warning signs should never be ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Eyes in Disguise immediately:
Sudden vision loss or significant vision changes: Whether partial or complete, any unexplained vision loss requires urgent evaluation
Severe eye pain: Pain that's sharp, throbbing, or accompanied by headache
Eye trauma or injury: Chemical splashes, foreign objects, or blunt force trauma
Flashes of light or sudden floaters: May indicate retinal detachment, a true emergency
Persistent red eye with discharge: Could signal serious infection
Pupils of unequal size: May indicate neurological emergency
Inability to move the eye: Suggests muscle or nerve damage
Something stuck in the eye: Never attempt removal yourself
Why San Francisco Residents Choose Dr. Blas for Eye Emergencies
In San Francisco's competitive healthcare landscape, Dr. Michelle Blas stands out for her three-decade commitment to urgent eye care. Unlike emergency rooms or urgent care clinics throughout the Bay Area, Eyes in Disguise specializes exclusively in ocular emergencies with equipment specifically designed for eye trauma and acute conditions.
Located in the heart of Cow Hollow at 2133 Union Street, our practice serves patients from Marina District, Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, and throughout San Francisco with convenient access and immediate care protocols.
Common Eye Emergencies We Treat in San Francisco
Corneal Abrasions and Scratches
Corneal abrasions are among the most common eye injuries we see in our San Francisco practice. Whether caused by makeup brushes, tree branches during hikes in the Presidio, or workplace accidents, these scratches on your eye's surface are extremely painful and require immediate treatment to prevent infection.
What we do: Using specialized fluorescein staining and blue light examination, Dr. Blas can identify even microscopic abrasions. Treatment typically includes antibiotic drops, pain management, and protective bandage contact lenses if needed.
Foreign Body Removal
San Francisco's windy conditions, especially near the waterfront, frequently send debris into eyes. While you might be tempted to rub or flush your eye, improper removal can cause additional damage.
What we do: Using magnification and specialized tools, Dr. Blas safely removes metal shavings, wood splinters, glass fragments, or other foreign objects. We then treat any resulting abrasion and monitor for infection.
Chemical Burns and Exposures
Whether from household cleaners, workplace chemicals, or beauty products, chemical eye exposure requires immediate action. If this occurs, flush your eye with clean water for 15 minutes, then come directly to our Union Street location or call 415-474-5321.
What we do: Dr. Blas assesses the pH level of your eye, continues irrigation if needed, and provides treatments to neutralize the chemical and prevent corneal damage.
Eye Infections Requiring Urgent Care
While not all eye infections are emergencies, bacterial keratitis, severe conjunctivitis with vision changes, or infections in contact lens wearers demand immediate attention. San Francisco's diverse population means we regularly treat various infection types with culturally competent care.
What we do: We identify the infection type through examination and lab work if needed, prescribe appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medications, and monitor healing to prevent complications.
Retinal Detachment Warning Signs
Retinal detachment is a true ocular emergency where the retina pulls away from supporting tissue. Without immediate treatment, permanent vision loss occurs. Symptoms include:
Sudden appearance of floaters
Flashes of light (photopsia)
Shadow or curtain over your visual field
Sudden blurry vision
What we do: Using advanced OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) imaging, Dr. Blas can quickly assess retinal status. If detachment is confirmed, we provide same-day referrals to San Francisco's top retinal surgeons at UCSF or Pacific Eye for emergency surgery.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This condition causes rapid pressure increase in the eye and constitutes a true emergency. Symptoms include severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights.
What we do: We immediately measure your intraocular pressure, administer pressure-lowering medications, and coordinate emergency care with ophthalmology specialists.
Traumatic Eye Injuries
From sports injuries at Marina Green to workplace accidents, eye trauma requires expert assessment. Never apply pressure to an injured eye.
What we do: Dr. Blas conducts comprehensive examination to assess internal and external damage, coordinates imaging if needed, and provides appropriate treatment or surgical referral.
Why the ER Isn't Your Best Option for Eye Emergencies in San Francisco
When your eye is injured or experiencing acute symptoms, your first instinct might be to rush to the nearest emergency room. However, most San Francisco ERs lack the specialized equipment and ophthalmological expertise needed for proper eye emergency care.
The Limitations of General Emergency Rooms
Emergency rooms excel at life-threatening conditions, but eye emergencies require specialized tools that most ERs don't have:
Slit lamp bio-microscopes for detailed anterior segment examination
Tonometry equipment for accurate pressure measurement
OCT imaging for retinal assessment
Specialized foreign body removal instruments
Corneal imaging systems
Additionally, ER physicians, while highly trained in emergency medicine, may not have the specific training to recognize subtle signs of serious eye conditions that could lead to vision loss.
The Eyes in Disguise Advantage
At our Cow Hollow practice, every examination uses equipment specifically designed for eye emergencies. Dr. Blas's 30 years of experience means she's encountered virtually every type of eye emergency and knows exactly how to respond. Moreover, our same-day appointment system means you're not waiting hours in an ER waiting room while your condition potentially worsens.
Our Same-Day Emergency Eye Care Process
Step 1: Immediate Contact
Call our San Francisco office at 415-474-5321 as soon as symptoms appear. Our staff will assess the urgency and schedule you for immediate care, often within the hour.
Step 2: Comprehensive Emergency Examination
Upon arrival at our Union Street location, Dr. Blas conducts a thorough examination using:
iProfiler technology for detailed visual assessment
OCT imaging for retinal and optic nerve evaluation
Slit lamp examination for anterior segment analysis
Tonometry for pressure measurement
Dilated fundus examination when indicated
Step 3: Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Dr. Blas explains your condition in clear terms, discussing treatment options and expected outcomes. For conditions requiring specialist care, we maintain relationships with top ophthalmologists throughout San Francisco and can arrange same-day referrals.
Step 4: Immediate Treatment and Follow-Up
Whether you need medication, minor procedures, or monitoring, we provide immediate care and schedule appropriate follow-up to ensure complete healing.
Advanced Technology for Superior Emergency Care
Eyes in Disguise isn't your average San Francisco optometry practice. Our investment in cutting-edge technology ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of eye emergencies.
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
This non-invasive imaging technology provides cross-sectional images of your retina, allowing Dr. Blas to detect retinal tears, macular holes, and other conditions that aren't visible through standard examination.
iProfiler Diagnostic System
Beyond standard vision testing, the iProfiler provides comprehensive analysis of how your eye processes light, helping identify subtle changes that might indicate serious conditions.
Digital Imaging and Documentation
We photograph and document emergency conditions, allowing for precise monitoring of healing and providing records for insurance or legal purposes if needed.
Prevention: Protecting Your Eyes in San Francisco
While we're here for emergencies, prevention is always preferable. San Francisco's unique environment presents specific eye safety challenges:
UV Protection Near the Water
San Francisco's coastal location means intense UV exposure, especially near Ocean Beach, the Marina, or during sailing on the Bay. Always wear UV-protective sunglasses—not just for comfort, but for long-term eye health.
Workplace Eye Safety
Whether you work in tech, construction, or healthcare, proper eye protection prevents most work-related injuries. OSHA-approved safety glasses should be non-negotiable in appropriate settings.
Contact Lens Hygiene
Many eye emergencies we treat in San Francisco involve contact lens-related infections. Never sleep in daily wear lenses, always use fresh solution, and replace lenses as directed.
Regular Comprehensive Exams
Many serious eye conditions develop silently. Annual comprehensive eye exams at Eyes in Disguise can detect early warning signs before they become emergencies.
What to Do Before You Arrive for Emergency Care
For Chemical Exposure
Flush your eye with clean water for 15 minutes
Remove contact lenses if present
Don't rub your eye
Come immediately to our office
For Foreign Objects
Don't attempt removal yourself
Don't rub your eye
Keep the eye closed if possible
Come directly to Eyes in Disguise
For Trauma
Don't apply pressure to the eye
Protect the eye with a shield (like a paper cup taped over the eye)
Don't take aspirin or ibuprofen (can increase bleeding)
Seek immediate care
Meet Dr. Michelle Blas: Your Emergency Eye Care Expert
Dr. Michelle Blas brings over 30 years of optometric expertise to every patient interaction at Eyes in Disguise. After earning her Doctor of Optometry degree, Dr. Blas has dedicated her career to providing exceptional eye care to the San Francisco community, with special emphasis on urgent and emergency conditions.
Her extensive experience means she's treated virtually every type of eye emergency, from simple corneal abrasions to complex retinal emergencies requiring immediate surgical referral. Dr. Blas maintains active relationships with San Francisco's leading ophthalmologists, ensuring seamless care when specialist intervention is needed.
Beyond emergency care, Dr. Blas is known throughout Cow Hollow and the greater San Francisco area for her luxury eyewear curation and comprehensive vision services, making Eyes in Disguise a complete eye care destination.
Insurance and Payment for Emergency Eye Care
We understand that eye emergencies create enough stress without worrying about payment. Eyes in Disguise accepts most major vision and medical insurance plans. Emergency eye care is typically covered under your medical insurance (not vision insurance), often with minimal out-of-pocket cost.
We provide detailed documentation for insurance submission and can answer questions about coverage before your visit. Don't let insurance concerns delay necessary emergency care—call us at 415-474-5321 to discuss your specific situation.
Conclusion: Your Vision Deserves Expert Emergency Care
When eye emergencies occur in San Francisco, you need more than just quick care—you need expert care. At Eyes in Disguise on Union Street, Dr. Michelle Blas combines three decades of experience with advanced technology and genuine concern for your wellbeing. Whether you're dealing with an injury, infection, or sudden vision changes, same-day appointments ensure you're not left waiting while your condition potentially worsens.
Your eyes are irreplaceable. Don't trust them to providers without specialized equipment, expertise, or commitment to ocular health. Choose the practice that San Francisco residents have trusted for years when eye emergencies strike.
Ready to schedule your emergency appointment? Call 415-474-5321 now or visit us at 2133 Union Street in Cow Hollow. Your vision is our priority—let us help you protect it.
📋 FAQ SECTION
1. What qualifies as an eye emergency in San Francisco?
An eye emergency includes any condition threatening your vision or causing severe symptoms. This includes sudden vision loss, severe pain, eye trauma, chemical exposure, foreign objects that won't flush out, sudden flashes or floaters, or any injury to the eye. Contact Eyes in Disguise immediately at 415-474-5321 if you experience these symptoms.
2. Does Eyes in Disguise offer same-day emergency appointments?
Yes, Dr. Blas at Eyes in Disguise prioritizes emergency cases with same-day appointments in San Francisco. Call 415-474-5321 as soon as symptoms appear, and our team will schedule immediate care, often within the hour depending on the severity of your condition.
3. Should I go to the ER or an eye doctor for an eye emergency?
For eye-specific emergencies, visiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist with specialized equipment is preferable to the ER. Eyes in Disguise has advanced technology like OCT imaging and slit lamps that most San Francisco emergency rooms lack, plus Dr. Blas's 30 years of specific eye emergency expertise.
4. How much does emergency eye care cost in San Francisco?
Emergency eye care at Eyes in Disguise is typically covered under medical insurance (not vision insurance). Costs vary based on treatment needed, but most insurance plans cover emergency visits with standard copays. Call 415-474-5321 to discuss your specific insurance coverage before your visit.
5. What should I do if I get a chemical in my eye?
Immediately flush your eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if wearing them, and come directly to Eyes in Disguise at 2133 Union Street or call 415-474-5321. Don't rub your eye or wait to see if symptoms improve—chemical burns require immediate professional treatment.
6. Can a corneal abrasion heal on its own?
While small corneal abrasions may heal independently, professional treatment prevents infection and speeds healing. Dr. Blas at Eyes in Disguise can prescribe antibiotic drops, pain management, and protective measures. Untreated abrasions risk serious complications, so emergency evaluation is recommended for any eye scratch in San Francisco.
7. What are the signs of retinal detachment?
Retinal detachment warning signs include sudden flashes of light, rapid increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain over your visual field, or sudden blurry vision. This is a true ocular emergency requiring immediate attention. Call Eyes in Disguise at 415-474-5321 immediately if you experience these symptoms in San Francisco.
8. Does Eyes in Disguise treat eye emergencies on weekends?
Eyes in Disguise provides emergency eye care appointments based on availability. Call 415-474-5321 immediately when emergencies occur, and our team will arrange appropriate care. For after-hours emergencies, our voicemail provides guidance on emergency protocols and alternative resources.
