When to Schedule an Emergency Eye Exam in San Francisco: Expert Guidance from Cow Hollow's Trusted Optometrist
You wake up with sudden blurry vision in one eye. A chemical splashed into your eye while cleaning. Your child got poked in the eye during a playground game. Your contact lens tore while still in your eye. That persistent red eye you've been ignoring for days suddenly became painful.
In these moments, a single question dominates your thoughts: Is this a true emergency, or can it wait?
Eye emergencies don't always announce themselves with sirens and flashing lights. Unlike a broken bone or chest pain, ocular emergencies often present with subtle symptoms that patients dismiss only to discover days or weeks later that immediate treatment could have prevented permanent vision loss.
After three decades of providing emergency eye care to San Francisco patients at Eyes in Disguise in Cow Hollow, I've seen every scenario imaginable. From the tech worker who ignored "minor" flashes and floaters until a retinal detachment stole half his vision, to the Pacific Heights mom who rushed her toddler in for a "tiny scratch" that turned out to be a sight-threatening corneal ulcer. I've treated visitors to the Presidio with tree branch injuries, Marina District runners with contact lens-related infections, and Fillmore District residents with sudden angle-closure glaucoma attacks.
What I've learned is this: When it comes to your vision, erring on the side of caution is always the right choice. Understanding which symptoms require same-day attention versus routine care can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent vision impairment.
This comprehensive guide will help you recognize true eye emergencies, understand what requires urgent versus routine care, and know exactly when to call Eyes in Disguise for same-day emergency eye exams in San Francisco.
Understanding Eye Emergencies: Why Timing Matters for Vision
Your eyes are remarkably resilient yet simultaneously vulnerable. The cornea the clear front surface of your eye is one of the fastest-healing tissues in your body, capable of repairing minor scratches overnight. Yet that same cornea, when deeply lacerated or infected, can permanently scar within 24-48 hours, destroying your vision.
This paradox is why timing matters so critically in eye emergencies.
The Golden Window for Eye Emergency Treatment
In emergency medicine, we talk about "golden hours"critical time periods when prompt treatment dramatically improves outcomes. For many eye emergencies, this window is measured not in hours but in minutes:
Retinal Detachment: Treatment within 24-48 hours often preserves central vision. Delays beyond a week significantly worsen prognosis and may result in permanent vision loss according to research from the American Academy of Ophthalmology AAO, 2024.
Chemical Burns: Every second counts. Immediate irrigation followed by professional evaluation within 30-60 minutes can prevent devastating corneal damage. Even a delay of hours can allow alkaline chemicals to penetrate deeper ocular structures.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This medical emergency can destroy the optic nerve within hours if untreated. Pressure must be reduced within 4-6 hours to prevent permanent vision loss.
Corneal Infections: Bacterial ulcers can progress from minor irritation to vision-threatening infection in 12-24 hours, particularly in contact lens wearers. Early treatment prevents corneal scarring that permanently impairs vision.
Traumatic Injuries: Globe ruptures, penetrating injuries, and retrobulbar hemorrhages require evaluation within minutes to hours. Delays allow complications that drastically reduce chances of vision preservation.
This is why Eyes in Disguise offers same-day emergency eye exams in San Francisco. When you call with an urgent concern, we see you that day often within hours. For San Francisco patients in Cow Hollow, Pacific Heights, the Marina, Fillmore, and surrounding neighborhoods, we're your first call for eye emergencies.
Why the ER Isn't Always the Answer
Many patients instinctively head to hospital emergency rooms for eye problems. While ERs excel at trauma and life-threatening emergencies, they have significant limitations for eye care:
Limited Ophthalmic Equipment: Most ERs lack slit lamps, tonometers for accurate pressure measurement, and specialized imaging necessary for diagnosing many eye conditions. They may miss subtle but sight-threatening problems.
Non-Specialist Physicians: ER doctors are brilliant at stabilizing critical patients but may have limited training in detailed eye examination. They often consult ophthalmology, adding hours to your wait time.
Long Wait Times: Unless you arrive by ambulance with severe trauma, eye complaints typically receive low priority in ERs overwhelmed with heart attacks, strokes, and serious injuries. Six-hour waits are common.
Higher Costs: An ER visit costs $1,500-$3,000 on average often 10 times more than an urgent optometry appointment. Most of that expense goes to overhead, not eye-specific care.
No Continuity of Care: Even after ER evaluation, you'll need follow-up with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Why not start with specialized eye care from the beginning?
For most eye emergencies except severe trauma with vision loss, large foreign bodies penetrating the eye, or obvious globe ruptures starting with same-day emergency eye care at Eyes in Disguise provides faster, more specialized, and more cost-effective treatment than the ER. We have the equipment, expertise, and time to thoroughly evaluate your condition and either treat you directly or expedite referral to an ophthalmologist if surgical intervention is needed.
5 Eye Emergencies That Require Immediate Same-Day Attention
Certain eye symptoms always warrant same-day emergency eye exams. Never take a "wait and see" approach with these five scenarios:
1. Sudden Vision Loss or Significant Vision Changes
Any sudden change in your vision qualifies as an emergency. This includes:
Complete or Partial Vision Loss: If you wake up unable to see out of one eye, or notice a "curtain" or "shadow" blocking part of your visual field, this suggests retinal detachment, retinal artery/vein occlusion, or stroke affecting the visual pathway. Time-sensitive treatment can sometimes restore vision if initiated within hours.
New Onset of Flashes and Floaters: While occasional floaters are common and benign, sudden onset of numerous new floaters (especially if they look like a "shower" of dots), accompanied by flashing lights, signals possible retinal tear or detachment. Research published in JAMA Ophthalmology demonstrates that prompt treatment of retinal tears prevents progression to detachment in 90% of cases JAMA, 2024.
Sudden Double Vision: New diplopia (seeing two images) can indicate cranial nerve palsy, stroke, or serious neurological problems. Same-day evaluation is essential.
Severe Blurriness That Doesn't Improve with Blinking: Unlike the temporary blurriness from dry eyes that clears when you blink, persistent blurriness that doesn't respond to blinking may signal corneal swelling, acute glaucoma, or retinal problems.
I once saw a Pacific Heights patient who'd noticed "a few floaters" three days earlier but delayed seeking care because they didn't hurt. By the time she arrived at Eyes in Disguise, her retina had partially detached. Emergency surgery saved her central vision, but earlier treatment would have been far simpler and more effective. Don't make this mistake.
2. Eye Trauma and Injuries
Any significant injury to your eye requires same-day evaluation, even if you think it's "minor":
Blunt Trauma: Getting hit in the eye with a ball, elbow, or other object can cause hidden damage including retinal tears, lens dislocation, or bleeding inside the eye (hyphema). Even if your vision seems fine initially, internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Penetrating Injuries: Objects that pierce the eye or embed in ocular tissue whether from woodworking, metal grinding, or other activities create immediate risk of infection and permanent damage. Never attempt to remove embedded foreign objects yourself.
Corneal Abrasions: Scratches to the corneal surface are incredibly painful and create risk of infection. While minor abrasions heal quickly with proper treatment, delays allow bacterial infection to develop, particularly in contact lens wearers.
Chemical Exposure: This is the only eye emergency where you should treat BEFORE seeking care. Immediately flush your eye with clean water for 15-20 minutes, then call Eyes in Disguise for same-day evaluation. Chemical burns particularly from alkaline substances like drain cleaners, cement, or oven cleaner scan cause devastating damage within minutes. Studies show that immediate irrigation followed by professional care within an hour provides the best outcomes American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2024.
San Francisco's active outdoor culture means we see plenty of recreation-related eye injuries at Eyes in Disguise. From Presidio hikers with tree branch scratches to Marina volleyball players with finger pokes, we provide comprehensive emergency evaluation and treatment. We can determine whether your injury requires simple treatment or needs ophthalmologic surgery.
3. Sudden, Severe Eye Pain
While many eye conditions cause discomfort, sudden severe pain warrants immediate attention:
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This occurs when fluid cannot drain from your eye, causing pressure to spike rapidly. Symptoms include severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, halos around lights, and blurred vision. Without treatment within hours, permanent optic nerve damage occurs. This is one of the few true ophthalmic emergencies requiring immediate pressure reduction.
Corneal Ulcers: Deep infections of the cornea cause severe pain, light sensitivity, discharge, and decreased vision. Contact lens wearers face particularly high risk. Ulcers require immediate antibiotic treatment to prevent corneal scarring and vision loss.
Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye causes deep, aching pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Untreated uveitis can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, and permanent vision loss. Early treatment with anti-inflammatory medication prevents complications.
Foreign Body Sensation That Won't Resolve: If you feel something in your eye and cannot remove it with blinking or artificial tears, you may have an embedded foreign body, corneal abrasion, or turned-in eyelash. Same-day examination can identify and treat the problem before infection develops.
Pain is your body's alarm system don't ignore it. At Eyes in Disguise, we reserve same-day appointments specifically for emergency situations like severe eye pain. Call us immediately rather than suffering through the night or weekend.
4. Eye Infections with Warning Signs
Not every pink eye requires emergency care, but certain infection symptoms demand same-day attention:
Contact Lens-Related Red Eyes: If you wear contact lenses and develop a red, painful eye, remove your lenses immediately and call for same-day evaluation. Contact lens-related infections, particularly from Pseudomonas bacteria, progress rapidly and can cause permanent corneal scarring within 24-48 hours.
Thick, Colored Discharge: While viral conjunctivitis causes watery discharge, thick yellow or green discharge suggests bacterial infection requiring antibiotic treatment. When accompanied by pain and vision changes, this may indicate more serious conditions like corneal ulcer.
Swollen, Tender Eyelids: Preseptal or orbital cellulitis bacterial infections of tissues around the eye can spread to surrounding structures and even the brain if untreated. Fever, severe swelling, and restricted eye movement require immediate evaluation.
Red Eye with Vision Changes or Severe Pain: Simple conjunctivitis causes redness without significant pain or vision loss. When these symptoms accompany redness, consider more serious conditions like uveitis, corneal ulcer, or acute glaucoma.
During my years serving San Francisco's contact lens-wearing population at Eyes in Disguise, I've diagnosed countless contact lens-related infections. The patients who call immediately and receive prompt treatment almost always preserve normal vision. Those who delay or try to self-treat with leftover antibiotics sometimes develop permanent corneal scarring. When in doubt about an eye infection, call us for same-day evaluation.
5. Objects Stuck in or Near the Eye
Foreign bodies require professional evaluation and removal:
Embedded Material: Small particles of metal, wood, or other materials can embed in the cornea or sclera. Attempting self-removal risks pushing the object deeper or causing additional damage. We have specialized instruments and techniques for safe removal.
Material Under the Eyelid: Sometimes foreign bodies lodge under the upper eyelid, causing constant scraping against the cornea with each blink. This creates progressive corneal damage if not removed.
Superficial Foreign Bodies: Even "minor" foreign bodies that don't penetrate deeply can cause corneal rust rings (from metal particles) or infections. Professional removal and treatment prevent complications.
After removing a foreign body, we thoroughly examine your eye to rule out penetrating injury, prescribe appropriate antibiotics to prevent infection, and provide follow-up care to ensure proper healing. Same-day treatment at Eyes in Disguise means you won't spend days in discomfort wondering if something serious is happening.
7 Symptoms That Need Urgent (But Not Emergency) Same-Day Care
Some eye problems, while not true emergencies, benefit significantly from same-day evaluation rather than waiting days for a routine appointment:
1. Persistent Red Eyes That Won't Improve
A bloodshot eye from lack of sleep or minor irritation typically resolves within a day. However, redness lasting more than 2-3 days, especially if worsening or accompanied by discharge, warrants same-day evaluation. Many conditions including viral conjunctivitis, bacterial infections, dry eye flares, and inflammatory conditions cause persistent redness.
2. Sudden Increase in Eye Pressure Sensation
If you have glaucoma or are a glaucoma suspect, sudden feelings of pressure or fullness in your eye merit same-day pressure checks. While not as urgent as acute angle-closure, pressure spikes can damage your optic nerve progressively.
3. Contact Lens Problems You Can't Resolve
Lost contact lens that you can't locate, torn lens fragments in your eye, or sudden contact lens intolerance all benefit from same-day evaluation. We can locate and remove lens fragments, evaluate whether lens-related complications have developed, and ensure your eyes remain healthy.
4. New Eyelid Swelling or Lumps
Sudden eyelid swelling, particularly if tender and warm, may indicate a stye, chalazion, or more serious infection. Same-day evaluation allows us to provide treatment that prevents progression and reduces discomfort.
5. Light Sensitivity That Interferes with Daily Activities
Severe photophobia (light sensitivity) can signal corneal problems, uveitis, or other inflammatory conditions. If you find yourself unable to tolerate normal lighting, same-day evaluation identifies the cause and provides appropriate treatment.
6. Eye Symptoms Following Surgery
If you've recently had LASIK, cataract surgery, or other eye procedures and develop new pain, redness, vision changes, or discharge, call for same-day evaluation. Post-surgical complications are best addressed immediately.
7. Sudden Onset of Eye Allergies Affecting Vision
Severe allergic reactions with eyelid swelling, persistent itching, and vision-affecting discharge benefit from same-day treatment. We can prescribe stronger medications than over-the-counter options and rule out infections masquerading as allergies.
At Eyes in Disguise, we understand that these "urgent but not emergency" situations still cause significant concern and discomfort. We prioritize same-day appointments for these concerns, typically seeing you within 2-4 hours of your call during business hours.
What Happens During an Emergency Eye Exam in San Francisco
Understanding what to expect during an emergency eye exam at Eyes in Disguise can ease anxiety and help you prepare:
Immediate Triage and Assessment
When you call with an urgent concern, our team will ask specific questions to assess severity and determine appropriate timing. For true emergencies, we see you immediately. For urgent concerns, we schedule you the same day, typically within hours.
Upon arrival, we'll gather details about your symptoms: when they started, what you were doing when they began, associated symptoms, relevant medical history, and any treatments you've already tried. This information guides our examination focus.
Comprehensive Emergency Examination
Your emergency eye exam is thorough and targeted to your specific complaint:
Visual Acuity Testing: We measure your vision in each eye to establish baseline function and detect any vision loss.
External Examination: We inspect eyelids, lashes, and surrounding structures for signs of trauma, infection, or inflammation.
Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy: Using a specialized microscope, we examine the front structures of your eye under magnification. This reveals corneal abrasions, foreign bodies, inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber, and subtle signs invisible to the naked eye.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement: We check your eye pressure to rule out acute glaucoma or other pressure-related problems.
Dilated Fundus Examination: For symptoms suggesting retinal problems, we dilate your pupils and examine the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of your eye. This is essential for diagnosing retinal detachments, tears, and vascular occlusions.
Specialized Testing as Needed: Depending on your symptoms, we may perform corneal staining to detect abrasions, gonioscopy to evaluate drainage angles, or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image retinal layers.
Immediate Treatment and Management
Once we've diagnosed your condition, we provide immediate treatment when possible:
Foreign Body Removal: Using specialized instruments and techniques, we safely remove embedded material and treat any resulting corneal damage.
Prescription Medications: We prescribe appropriate antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drops, pressure-lowering medications, or other treatments specific to your condition.
In-Office Procedures: We can perform certain treatments in our office, including punctal plugs for severe dry eye, eyelid procedures for certain conditions, and therapeutic contact lens application for corneal injuries.
Emergency Referrals: When your condition requires surgical intervention or subspecialist care, we coordinate immediate referrals to trusted San Francisco ophthalmologists and provide all necessary documentation to expedite your care.
Follow-Up Care Coordination
Emergency eye care doesn't end with your initial visit. We schedule appropriate follow-up appointments to monitor healing, adjust treatment as needed, and ensure complete recovery. For serious conditions, follow-up may be within 24-48 hours. For less severe problems, we typically see you within one week.
At Eyes in Disguise, we're committed to guiding you through the entire process from emergency evaluation through complete resolution.
5 Common Eye Emergencies We Treat at Eyes in Disguise
Based on three decades serving San Francisco patients, here are the most common eye emergencies we see:
1. Corneal Abrasions from Daily Activities
From mascara wands to tree branches to fingernails, countless objects scratch corneas daily. These abrasions are excruciatingly painful but usually heal quickly with proper treatment. We provide numbing drops for comfort during examination, prescribe antibiotic drops to prevent infection, and often apply bandage contact lenses to promote healing and reduce pain.
2. Contact Lens-Related Complications
San Francisco's contact lens-wearing population frequently experiences complications from sleeping in lenses, wearing extended daily lenses, using old solution, or swimming while wearing contacts. We diagnose and treat contact lens-induced infections, corneal neovascularization, giant papillary conjunctivitis, and overwear syndrome.
3. Dry Eye Flares Requiring Urgent Treatment
While chronic dry eye typically develops gradually, acute flares triggered by medications, environmental factors, or underlying health condition scan cause severe discomfort requiring same-day intervention. We provide immediate relief with prescription drops, in-office treatments like TearCare, and punctal plugs to increase tear retention.
4. Foreign Bodies from Work and Recreation
San Francisco's active outdoor culture and diverse work environments mean we regularly remove foreign bodies from patients' eyes. From metal fragments in construction workers' eyes to sawdust in woodworkers' eyes to sand in beachgoers' eyes, we safely remove embedded material and prevent complications.
5. Sudden Onset of Flashes and Floaters
This common concern sends dozens of patients to Eyes in Disguise each month. While most cases represent benign posterior vitreous detachment, we must examine every patient thoroughly to rule out retinal tears or detachments requiring emergency treatment. Our same-day availability means you don't spend anxious days wondering if your retina is detaching.
When You Can Wait for a Routine Appointment
Not every eye concern requires emergency care. The following situations can typically wait for routine appointments scheduled within a few days to a week:
Gradually worsening vision over weeks or months(likely prescription change)
Mild, occasional eye redness without pain or vision changes(minor irritation)
Minor eye fatigue from screen time(digital eye strain)
Small, stable floaters you've had for months or years(benign floaters)
Desire for contact lens fitting or glasses prescription update(routine care)
Dry eye symptoms manageable with over-the-counter drops(chronic dry eye)
Annual eye exam for monitoring stable conditions(preventive care)
If you're unsure whether your situation requires emergency, urgent, or routine care, call Eyes in Disguise. Our experienced team can assess your symptoms over the phone and guide you toward appropriate timing for your appointment.
Why Choose Eyes in Disguise for Emergency Eye Care in San Francisco
When eye emergencies strike, you need accessible, expert care immediately. Here's why San Francisco patients trust Eyes in Disguise for urgent eye concerns:
Same-Day Emergency Appointments
We reserve appointment slots specifically for eye emergencies. When you call with an urgent concern, we see you that day sometimes within an hour or two. No waiting days with an agonizing corneal abrasion or worrying whether you're experiencing a retinal detachment.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
Our Cow Hollow office features the diagnostic equipment necessary for accurate emergency evaluations: slit lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, corneal topography, and OCT imaging. We can diagnose conditions that hospital ERs might miss due to limited ophthalmic equipment.
30 Years of Emergency Eye Care Experience
Dr. Michelle Blas brings three decades of experience diagnosing and treating eye emergencies to every patient encounter. This depth of expertise means accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and recognition of subtle signs that less experienced practitioners might overlook.
Convenient Cow Hollow Location
Located at 2133 Union Street in the heart of Cow Hollow, Eyes in Disguise is easily accessible from Pacific Heights, the Marina District, Russian Hill, Fillmore, the Presidio, and throughout San Francisco. Our location near major transportation routes means you can reach us quickly when emergencies occur.
Coordinated Specialist Referrals
When your condition requires surgical intervention or subspecialist care beyond our scope, we maintain relationships with San Francisco's premier ophthalmologists. We expedite referrals, provide comprehensive documentation, and coordinate your care to ensure seamless transitions.
Personalized, Unhurried Care
Unlike rushed ER visits or high-volume practices, we provide thoughtful, thorough emergency evaluations. We take time to examine you carefully, explain your diagnosis clearly, answer all questions, and ensure you understand your treatment plan and follow-up needs.
Follow-Through and Continuity
Emergency care doesn't end when you walk out our door. We follow up with patients, monitor recovery, adjust treatment as needed, and remain available for questions throughout your healing process. You're not just a one-time emergency visit you become part of the Eyes in Disguise family.
How to Reach Eyes in Disguise for Eye Emergencies
When eye emergencies occur, quick access to expert care is essential. Here's how to reach us:
Call Immediately:(415) 474-5321
Our team will assess your symptoms and schedule same-day evaluation for urgent concerns. During business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm), we typically see emergency patients within 2-4 hours of your call. For true emergencies sudden vision loss, severe trauma, chemical burns we accommodate you immediately.
After Hours: If you experience an eye emergency outside business hours, call our office number and follow instructions for reaching our on-call doctor. For severe trauma with vision loss or chemical burns, proceed immediately to San Francisco General Hospital's ophthalmology emergency department at 1001 Potrero Avenue.
Location: Eyes in Disguise, 2133 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 (in Cow Hollow, easily accessible from Pacific Heights, Marina District, Fillmore, Presidio, and throughout San Francisco)
Don't Wait—Your Vision Deserves Immediate Expert Care
Eye emergencies don't schedule themselves for convenient times. They happen during weekend brunches in Pacific Heights, during evening work sessions in Cow Hollow, during Saturday morning jogs through the Presidio. When they occur, you need expert care immediately not in three days when a routine appointment opens up.
At Eyes in Disguise, we understand the anxiety and discomfort eye emergencies create. We've built our practice around accessibility and expertise precisely so San Francisco patients have somewhere to turn when urgent eye problems strike.
If you're experiencing sudden vision changes, eye trauma, severe pain, infection symptoms, or any other urgent eye concern don't wait. Don't wonder if it's serious enough to call. Don't try to self-diagnose using internet searches. Call Eyes in Disguise immediately at (415) 474-5321.
Your vision is too precious to risk. We're here to protect it.
About the Author
Dr. Michelle Blas, OD, has provided comprehensive and emergency eye care to San Francisco patients for over 30 years at Eyes in Disguise Optometry in Cow Hollow. Board-certified with extensive training in ocular emergencies, corneal conditions, and urgent eye care, Dr. Blas has diagnosed and treated thousands of eye emergencies ranging from corneal abrasions to retinal detachments. Her commitment to same-day emergency access and thorough evaluation has established Eyes in Disguise as a trusted destination for urgent eye care throughout San Francisco, serving patients from Pacific Heights, Marina District, Cow Hollow, Fillmore, Russian Hill, and the Presidio. Dr. Blas combines advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate, unhurried care to ensure every patient receives accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment when eye emergencies occur.
FAQ: Emergency Eye Care in San Francisco
1. What qualifies as an eye emergency in San Francisco?
True eye emergencies include sudden vision loss, eye trauma or injury, severe eye pain, chemical exposure, sudden flashes and floaters, foreign objects stuck in the eye, and contact lens-related red painful eyes. These conditions require same-day evaluation at Eyes in Disguise because delays can result in permanent vision loss. Call (415) 474-5321 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. We reserve same-day appointments specifically for eye emergencies and typically see urgent patients within 2-4 hours.
2. Should I go to the emergency room or call an optometrist for eye problems?
For most eye emergencies corneal abrasions, infections, foreign bodies, sudden floaters, and contact lens complications starting with specialized optometric care at Eyes in Disguise provides faster, more thorough evaluation than hospital ERs. We have specialized equipment ERs lack and can provide immediate treatment or coordinate urgent referrals if needed. Visit the ER only for severe trauma with obvious eye damage, large penetrating objects, or chemical burns after initial irrigation. For everything else, call Eyes in Disguise first at (415) 474-5321.
3. How quickly can I get an emergency eye exam at Eyes in Disguise in Cow Hollow?
We see eye emergencies same-day, typically within 2-4 hours of your call during business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm). For severe emergencies like sudden vision loss or eye trauma, we accommodate you immediately. We reserve appointment slots specifically for urgent situations so you don't wait days with serious eye problems. Call (415) 474-5321 and our team will assess your symptoms and schedule appropriate timing for your emergency evaluation.
4. What happens during an emergency eye exam in San Francisco?
Your emergency eye exam at Eyes in Disguise includes comprehensive evaluation targeted to your specific complaint. We measure visual acuity, examine external structures, perform slit lamp biomicroscopy to inspect corneal and anterior segment details, measure intraocular pressure, and conduct dilated fundus examination when retinal problems are suspected. We provide immediate treatment including foreign body removal, prescription medications, in-office procedures, or coordinated emergency referrals to ophthalmologists when surgical care is needed. Most emergency exams take 45-60 minutes.
5. Does insurance cover emergency eye exams in San Francisco?
Most medical insurance plans (not vision insurance) cover medically necessary emergency eye exams when you have urgent conditions like infections, injuries, sudden vision changes, or corneal problems. Coverage typically follows your standard medical insurance deductible and copay structure. We accept most major insurance plans and provide detailed documentation for reimbursement. Call our office at (415) 474-5321 before your visit and we can verify your coverage. Emergency eye care is billed to medical insurance, not vision insurance.
6. Can Eyes in Disguise treat contact lens emergencies same-day?
Absolutely. Contact lens-related emergencies are among the most common urgent situations we treat. If you develop a red, painful eye while wearing contacts, remove your lenses immediately and call (415) 474-5321 for same-day evaluation. We diagnose and treat contact lens-induced infections, corneal ulcers, giant papillary conjunctivitis, lost lens fragments, and overwear syndrome. Prompt treatment prevents corneal scarring and permanent vision damage. We see contact lens emergencies within hours of your call.
7. What should I do if I get something stuck in my eye in San Francisco?
Do NOT attempt to remove embedded foreign bodies yourself. Call Eyes in Disguise immediately at (415) 474-5321 for same-day evaluation. We have specialized instruments and techniques for safe removal of corneal and scleral foreign bodies. Keep your eye closed and avoid rubbing, which can push material deeper or cause additional scratching. For superficial foreign bodies causing severe pain, you can try flushing with clean water before calling, but professional evaluation is essential to rule out penetrating injury and prevent infection.
8. Are sudden eye flashes and floaters an emergency?
Yes sudden onset of numerous new floaters (especially if appearing as a "shower" of dots) accompanied by flashing lights requires same-day evaluation. While many cases represent benign posterior vitreous detachment, these symptoms can signal retinal tears or detachment requiring emergency treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Call Eyes in Disguise at (415) 474-5321 immediately. We perform dilated fundus examination to evaluate your retina and coordinate emergency treatment if tears or detachment are detected. Don't wait days to see if symptoms resolve prompt evaluation protects your vision.
