Southwest Eye Institute offers same-day emergency eye appointments during regular business hours.
Urgent eye care at Southwest Eye Institute in El Paso, TX, and Las Cruces, NM
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, flashes, floaters, chemical exposure, or an eye injury may require immediate attention.
Call for:
Do not wait for severe symptoms to improve on their own.
Do not rub or press on the eye. Do not remove embedded objects or use leftover prescription drops.
For chemical exposure, rinse immediately with clean, room-temperature water for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
For severe trauma, neurological symptoms, or an after-hours emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Your vision is irreplaceable. While eye emergencies are frightening, prompt treatment can often save sight or significantly improve outcomes. Southwest Eye Institute ophthalmologists have extensive experience managing urgent eye conditions and are prepared to act quickly when every minute matters.
| Symptom | Why It Requires Immediate Care |
|---|---|
| Sudden loss or decrease in vision | A partial or complete change in vision may signal retinal detachment, bleeding, or blocked blood flow. Even if vision returns quickly, seek immediate evaluation. |
| Severe eye pain or pressure | Intense pain or pressure may indicate elevated eye pressure, infection, or inflammation. These conditions can progress quickly and may threaten vision. |
| Double vision | Sudden double vision may involve the eye muscles, nerves, or a neurological condition. It requires prompt evaluation. |
| New flashes of light or floaters | A sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, may mean the retina is being pulled or torn. Early treatment may help prevent retinal detachment. |
| A curtain or a shadow over your vision | A dark curtain, veil, or shadow moving across your field of vision is a classic warning sign of retinal detachment and requires immediate care. |
| Blood or fluid coming from the eye | Blood, discharge, or clear fluid may indicate trauma, infection, or internal damage. Do not ignore these symptoms. |
| Chemical exposure | Cleaning products, chemicals, or fumes can quickly damage the eye’s surface. Begin flushing the eye immediately and seek professional care. |
| Swelling or pain after eye surgery | Some discomfort may be expected, but increasing pain, swelling, or vision changes may indicate a complication and should be evaluated promptly. |
During an emergency eye examination, the doctor will focus on identifying what is causing the symptoms and whether any part of the eye is at risk.
The examination may include visual acuity testing, eye-pressure measurement, pupil response, eye movement, and a close look at the cornea and front of the eye with a slit lamp. Dilation may also be needed to examine the retina and optic nerve.
Additional testing or imaging may be recommended depending on the injury, symptoms, and examination findings.
Southwest Eye Institute provides same-day emergency eye appointments during regular business hours for patients throughout El Paso and Las Cruces.
Because availability may vary by office and time of day, call before traveling. The team can review your symptoms, determine how quickly you need to be seen, and direct you to the most appropriate location.
Call (915) 267-2020 for urgent eye care. Do not use online scheduling for a time-sensitive eye emergency.
For severe trauma, life-threatening symptoms, sudden neurological changes, or an emergency after hours, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
