Emergency Eye Exams
Specializing in Comfort and Clarity
There’s No Place Like Mountain Brook Eye Care
Emergency Eye Care in Mountain Brook, AL
When sudden vision changes or painful injuries occur, every minute matters. At Mountain Brook Eye Care, Dr. Jeremy Edgerly provides the expert guidance and treatment you need during emergency eye care situations in Mountain Brook, AL. We are here to help when you face urgent issues such as sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, trauma, or infections that can’t wait for a routine visit.
To complement medical eye exams when necessary, our modern clinic uses advanced diagnostic technology, including the Optos Monaco and Virtual Field, to identify problems quickly and accurately. With a compassionate approach and years of training in ocular disease, Dr. Edgerly ensures patients feel informed and cared for during stressful moments.
If you or a loved one experiences an eye emergency, call us immediately or walk into our office for urgent attention. Your vision deserves expert protection, right here in Mountain Brook.
What Qualifies as an Eye Emergency in Mountain Brook, AL?
An eye emergency is any sudden issue that threatens your sight or causes severe pain. Common examples include:
- Sudden vision loss or double vision
- Flashes of light, shadows, or a sudden increase in floaters
- Eye trauma from blunt or sharp objects
- Chemical burns from household or workplace accidents
- A foreign object stuck in the eye
- Severe eye pain or light sensitivity, especially with nausea or headache
- Unequal pupil size, swelling, or bleeding in or around the eye
These conditions require immediate evaluation to prevent long-term vision damage.
When Should I Go to an Emergency Eye Doctor vs. the ER?
Our office is equipped to manage many urgent issues such as infections, corneal abrasions, and removal of foreign bodies. However, some conditions, like retinal detachment, acute angle-closure glaucoma, or neurological or cardiovascular events causing vision loss, require referral to an ophthalmologist or hospital specialist.
We can evaluate, diagnose, and coordinate fast referrals to the appropriate specialty if advanced treatment is needed.
However, if you suffer a penetrating eye injury, major trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding, it’s safest to go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department.
For most other urgent eye situations, Mountain Brook Eye Care can provide immediate treatment in a comfortable setting, eliminating the delays associated with a hospital visit.
Does Mountain Brook Eye Care Treat Eye Trauma?
Yes. We routinely evaluate and care for:
- Acute eye infections and allergic reactions
- Corneal abrasions and scratches
- Foreign bodies such as dirt, metal, or glass
- Blunt trauma or sudden swelling
If surgery or hospital admission is required, Dr. Edgerly will coordinate your referral to a trusted specialist or hospital.
What Happens During an Emergency Eye Exam?
An emergency eye exam is tailored to your symptoms but may include:
- Reviewing your symptoms and medical history
- Preliminary testing and neurological evaluation
- Slit-lamp examination of the eye
- Dilated retinal examination
- Advanced imaging using Optos Monaco or VisuField
- Identifying the source of pain or vision loss
- Creating a treatment plan and arranging follow-up or referral if needed
Our goal is to quickly diagnose and begin treatment so you can feel confident about your recovery.
How Much Does Urgent Eye Care Cost in Mountain Brook?
The cost of emergency eye exams depends on your insurance plan and the treatment required. Most patients use medical insurance for eye emergencies rather than vision plans.
For uninsured patients, we offer self-pay options. While costs vary, addressing problems early often prevents the need for more complex—and expensive—procedures later.
Does Insurance Cover Emergency Eye Care?
In most cases, medical insurance covers emergency visits for infections, injuries, or diseases. Vision insurance typically applies only to routine eye exams. We recommend contacting your provider for specific coverage details before your appointment, if possible.
Do You Provide Pediatric Emergency Eye Care?
Yes. With specialized training in pediatric eye care, Dr. Edgerly treats children facing urgent eye problems, such as:
- Severe pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Foreign objects in the eye
- Sports-related eye injuries
- Sudden pain or vision changes
We provide gentle, family-centered care to ensure children receive fast and comfortable treatment.
What Should I Avoid if I Injure My Eye?
Avoid these common mistakes that may worsen an injury:
- Do not rub your eye
- Do not attempt to remove an embedded object
- Do not apply pressure to the eye
Instead:
- Rinse immediately if exposed to chemicals
- Loosely cover a punctured eye with a clean shield
- Call Mountain Brook Eye Care or go to the ER if the injury is severe
Common Eye Emergencies Treated in Mountain Brook
While true eye emergencies like retinal detachment and acute angle closure glaucoma, are not very common, at Mountain Brook Eye Care we frequently manage:
- Eye infections such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers
- Allergic reactions causing swelling or redness
- Corneal abrasions and scratches
- Chemical burns
- Foreign bodies in the eye
- Assess serious disease processes needing referral to the appropriate ophthalmology specialist.
Preventing Eye Emergencies
While accidents happen, many emergencies can be prevented. Protect your eyes by:
- Wearing safety glasses for work or home projects
- Using prescription sports eyewear that meets safety standards
- Practicing proper contact lens hygiene
- Keeping household chemicals stored securely
Your Trusted Emergency Optometrist in Mountain Brook
At Mountain Brook Eye Care, we are committed to protecting your vision when urgent or emergent problems arise. With Dr. Jeremy Edgerly’s advanced training, modern technology, and compassionate approach, you can feel confident turning to us for emergency eye care in Mountain Brook, AL.
Call Mountain Brook Eye Care today at 205-341-9595 or visit us at 921 Jemison Lane, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 if you or your family need urgent eye care.
Your sight is too valuable to wait.