Emergency Eye Care | Karns Vision Center

Emergency Eye Care in Knoxville

In Knoxville

When to Seek Emergency Eye Care

Immediate Treatment for Eye Injuries & Urgent Vision Concerns

Eye injuries and sudden vision changes require immediate attention to prevent long-term damage. Whether it’s an unexpected chemical exposure, foreign object in the eye, or sudden vision loss, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.

At Karns Vision Center, we provide urgent eye care services to address various emergencies, ensuring prompt evaluation and treatment to protect your eyesight. If our office is closed, head to the nearest emergency room for immediate care.

📞 Call us right away at 865-247-7715 if you experience an eye emergency!

Common Eye Emergencies We Treat

Quick Action Can Prevent Lasting Damage

Our experienced optometrists are equipped to handle a range of eye-related emergencies, including:

Trauma & Injury:

Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye’s surface)
Blunt force trauma (from sports injuries or falls)
Lacerations and puncture wounds

Foreign Object Removal:

Metal, wood, or dust particles trapped in the eye
Eyelashes or debris under the eyelid

Chemical Exposures & Burns:

Household cleaning products, industrial chemicals, or fumes
Immediate flushing is crucial—call us for guidance!

Infections & Inflammation:

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) with severe symptoms
Eye swelling, redness, and unusual discharge

Sudden Vision Changes & Neurological Symptoms:

Flashes of light or floaters (potential signs of retinal detachment)
Blurry vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss
Severe eye pain or unexplained headaches

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek professional care immediately.

Recognizing the Signs of an Eye Emergency

When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out

Some eye emergencies involve obvious trauma, while others may present with subtle yet serious symptoms. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to act fast:

Burning or stinging sensation
Severe light sensitivity
Bulging eyes or pupils of different sizes
Bleeding in or around the eye
Painful, swollen, or bruised eyelids
Sudden, unexplained headache with visual disturbances

Ignoring symptoms can lead to permanent vision loss, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Eye Emergency First Aid: Do’s & Don’ts

Taking Immediate Action Can Save Your Vision

What to Do:

✅ Flush your eye with clean water if chemicals make contact.
✅ Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
✅ Cover the affected eye lightly to prevent further injury.
✅ Seek medical care immediately for any severe symptoms.

What NOT to Do:

❌ Do not rub your eye—this can worsen the injury.
❌ Do not apply pressure or attempt to remove embedded objects.
❌ Do not use over-the-counter drops unless instructed by a doctor.
❌ Do not remove contact lenses (except in the case of a chemical spill).

Following these steps can help prevent further damage while you wait for professional care.

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!