Is a Red, Sore Eye an Emergency?

Your eye is red, sore, and uncomfortable, and you’re not sure what to do next. Is it something minor that goes away on its own, or is it a sign of a more serious issue that needs urgent care? While some eye redness is harmless and temporary, a red, sore eye can indicate a more serious condition. 

At Cooper Optometry in Santa Monica, California, our expert optometrists, Donna Cooper, OD, and Sarah Chung, OD, help you understand when it's time to seek professional care.

We provide urgent eye care for patients as young as 5 years old and offer a wide range of services, including comprehensive eye exams, emergency eye care, and dry eye therapy. Here’s what you need to know when you're dealing with eye redness and discomfort.

When redness isn’t an emergency

Your eyes may be red due to minor issues that we can treat in our office or with home remedies. For example:

• Allergies: If both eyes are red, itchy, and watery, seasonal allergies may be the culprit
• Dry eyes: Common after long hours on screens; can cause redness and burning
• Contact lenses: Wearing contacts too long or failing to clean them can irritate your eyes
• Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye): Typically clears up on its own within a few days

If you're unsure, we recommend scheduling a comprehensive eye exam. We can evaluate the cause and recommend effective treatment options.

Signs your red eye might be an emergency

Specific symptoms indicate you need immediate attention. If you notice any of the following, don’t wait. Contact us right away if you experience:

• Severe pain
• Light sensitivity
• Sudden vision changes
• Blurriness
• Vision loss
• Thick yellow or green discharge
• One eye is significantly redder than the other

These symptoms may indicate more serious issues, such as a corneal abrasion, eye infection, or acute angle-closure glaucoma, all of which require prompt medical attention to prevent complications or permanent vision loss.

What to expect during an emergency eye visit

When you come in for emergency eye care, our optometrists perform a thorough evaluation using advanced diagnostic tools. We check your vision, examine the front and back of your eye, and, if needed, use imaging to look for an infection or injury.

Depending on what we find, your treatment may include:

• Prescription eye drops or ointments
• Oral medication for infection or inflammation
• Flushing your eyes if exposed to a chemical
• Temporarily stopping contact lens use

Red, sore eyes can result from something as simple as dry air or as serious as a vision-threatening condition. That’s why our team provides expert guidance and prompt care when you need it most.

If your eye is red and sore, don’t wait. Call for an appointment to examine your eyes or request one online today.