Emergency Eye Care in Knoxville

Karns Vision

When to Seek Emergency Eye Care

Eye emergencies require immediate professional attention, and recognizing the warning signs can help you make quick decisions about your care. Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, and traumatic injuries to the eye area all warrant immediate evaluation by an eye care professional.

Flashing lights, sudden onset of floaters, or the appearance of a curtain-like shadow in your peripheral vision may indicate retinal detachment, which requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Chemical splashes in the eye, particularly from household cleaners or workplace chemicals, need immediate irrigation and professional assessment. Foreign objects embedded in the eye should never be removed at home, as this can cause additional damage to delicate eye structures.

Signs You Need Immediate Care

Certain symptoms indicate you should seek emergency eye care without delay. Sudden, severe eye pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting may suggest acute angle-closure glaucoma, a condition that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Double vision that develops suddenly, especially when accompanied by headache or neurological symptoms, requires immediate evaluation.

Eye trauma from sports injuries, workplace accidents, or auto accidents should always be evaluated professionally, even if symptoms seem minor initially. Cuts or punctures to the eyelid or eye area need prompt medical attention to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Any eye injury involving metal fragments or high-speed particles requires immediate care, as these can penetrate deeply into eye tissues.

When your vision suddenly changes or you experience painful eye symptoms, every minute counts in protecting your sight and overall eye health. Eye emergencies can range from foreign objects lodged in the eye to sudden vision loss, and knowing where to turn for immediate, professional care can make the difference between minor discomfort and permanent damage. The key to managing any eye emergency effectively lies in receiving prompt, professional evaluation from an experienced eye care provider who can quickly assess the situation and provide the right treatment. At Karns Vision Center, we understand the urgency and concern you feel when facing an eye emergency. Our team provides comprehensive emergency eye care services to patients throughout Knoxville and surrounding areas, combining advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate care to address your urgent eye health needs. Rest assured, our calm and experienced team has seen it all, and we’re here to guide you through whatever eye concern brings you to our office. We have a wide range of services to handle various eye emergencies and work to see emergency patients as quickly as possible to protect your vision and provide relief from pain or discomfort.

Common Eye Emergencies We Treat

Our emergency eye care services address a comprehensive range of urgent eye conditions, from minor irritations to sight-threatening emergencies. We’re equipped to handle foreign body removal, evaluate and treat eye infections, and provide immediate care for chemical burns or traumatic injuries.

Corneal abrasions, though often small, can be extremely painful and may become infected if not properly treated. We provide thorough cleaning, antibiotic treatment when necessary, and protective measures to promote healing while preventing complications. Eye infections, including conjunctivitis and more serious bacterial infections, receive prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment to prevent spread and reduce discomfort.

For patients experiencing sudden changes in vision, we perform comprehensive dilated eye exams to evaluate the retina, optic nerve, and other critical structures. Our advanced diagnostic equipment allows us to quickly identify conditions like retinal tears, vascular occlusions, or optic nerve inflammation that may be causing your symptoms. Early detection and treatment of these conditions often lead to better outcomes and preservation of vision.

What to Expect During Emergency Care

When you visit Karns Vision Center for emergency eye care, our team prioritizes your comfort and safety while conducting a thorough evaluation of your condition. We begin with a detailed history of your symptoms and any recent trauma or exposures that may have contributed to your eye emergency.

Our comprehensive emergency examination includes visual acuity testing, pupil evaluation, and careful inspection of all eye structures using specialized instruments and lighting. When indicated, we perform dilated fundus examination to evaluate the retina and optic nerve thoroughly. For foreign body removal, we use magnification and specialized instruments to safely extract particles while minimizing discomfort and preventing further damage.
We provide clear explanations of your diagnosis and treatment options, ensuring you understand your condition and the recommended course of care. Many eye emergencies can be treated in our office; however, we maintain relationships with local specialists and hospitals for cases that require additional intervention.
Our goal is to provide you with immediate relief while protecting your long-term vision and eye health.

Get Immediate Eye Care When You Need It Most

Eye emergencies don’t wait for convenient times, which is why Karns Vision Center prioritizes urgent eye care for patients experiencing sudden vision problems or eye injuries. Our experienced team combines advanced diagnostic technology, including cutting-edge equipment for comprehensive eye evaluation, with compassionate care to address your emergency needs quickly and effectively.

We understand the anxiety and discomfort that accompany eye emergencies, and we’re committed to providing you with prompt, professional care to protect your vision and restore your peace of mind.

Don’t wait to seek care for eye emergencies – prompt treatment often makes the difference in preserving your vision and preventing complications. If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, contact Karns Vision Center immediately at 865-247-7715 or visit our contact page to reach our emergency care team. We’re here to provide the urgent, professional eye care you need when you need it most.

Preventing Eye Emergencies

While not all eye emergencies can be prevented, taking proper precautions can significantly reduce your risk of eye injury and trauma. Wearing appropriate protective eyewear during sports, workplace activities, and home improvement projects is one of the most effective ways to protect your vision. Safety glasses or goggles should be worn when using power tools, handling chemicals, or participating in activities where debris might fly into your eyes.

Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect early signs of conditions that could lead to emergency situations. Conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal tears often develop gradually but can suddenly worsen without warning. Our team at Karns Vision Center emphasizes preventive care as part of our comprehensive eye care services, helping patients maintain healthy vision and avoid emergency situations when possible.

If you work in environments with potential eye hazards or have a history of eye problems, discuss prevention strategies with our doctor during your regular appointment. We can recommend specific safety measures and help you understand warning signs to watch for that might indicate developing problems. Remember that early detection and treatment are always preferable to emergency care, but when emergencies do occur, our team is ready to provide the urgent care you need.

Emergency Eye Care vs. Emergency Room Visits

Understanding when to contact an eye care specialist versus when to visit an emergency room can save valuable time during an eye emergency. While hospital emergency rooms provide excellent trauma care, they may not have the specialized equipment or eye care expertise needed to properly diagnose and treat many eye conditions. Our office is specifically equipped to handle urgent eye care in Knoxville with the tools and knowledge necessary for comprehensive eye emergency services.

Eye injuries involving severe trauma, such as blunt force injuries that affect the entire facial area or cases involving multiple injuries, should be evaluated at an emergency room first. However, conditions like sudden vision changes, eye infections, foreign objects in the eye, or chemical exposures are often best treated by an eye care professional who can provide specialized care and treatment options.

When you contact our office for an eye emergency, our team can help you determine whether your condition requires immediate emergency care at our office or if you should first seek care at an emergency room. We work closely with local emergency departments and can coordinate your care to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific eye emergency. Our patients appreciate having access to specialized eye care services that can detect and treat conditions that might be missed in a general emergency setting.

Trust Karns Vision Center for Emergency Eye Care

When an eye emergency strikes, don’t wait – seek immediate evaluation from our skilled optometrists. We provide expert care in Knoxville, offering the best chance of a fast recovery and lasting eye health.

📍 Location: 7686 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, TN 37931
📞 Call us at: 865-247-7715
📅 For urgent care, contact us immediately!