Eye Emergencies in Knoxville

Eye Emergencies in Knoxville

Foreign objects or stabbing pains in your eye? Don’t wait!

(865) 966-2020

Experiencing a stab of pain in your eye?

Sudden changes in vision? Images appearing faded, blurry or foggy?

Got chemicals or another foreign object or substance in your eye?

Come visit The Eye Group - Kingston Pike for emergency eye care.

Our Knoxville optometrists can help you preserve your vision and eye health.

eye emergency treated at The Eye Group - Kingston Pike

We understand that accidents happen.

Our optometrists know exactly what to do to help you through your eye care emergency.

Whether it’s a workplace accident, an at-home incident, or some other emergency requiring immediate attention, we’re here to help you preserve your eye health and sight!


What To Do If You Have an Eye Emergency

close-up of eye

First things first. Don’t panic! Staying calm is the best way to help you think straight and help those around you to remain calm. Often, it’s not necessary to go to an emergency room for eye emergencies. In fact, the vast majority of people who go to the emergency room for eye care could have received treatment from their local optometrist instead.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing an eye emergency, give us a call immediately! Delay may increase the risk of serious complications and may result in vision loss.

Until you see your eye doctor or seek urgent care, avoid the following:

  • Don’t try to remove an embedded object out of your eye
  • If your eye is injured, don't press on it or rub it
  • Dry cotton and sharp instruments such as tweezers should never be used on the eye.

Whether you've had a workplace accident or an at-home incident, our eye doctors are here to help


Eye Emergencies FAQs

What is considered an eye emergency?

Eye emergencies are anything that may cause permanent damage to your eyes or vision without timely intervention from an eye care professional.

The most common types of eye emergencies include:

  • A blow, poke or other trauma to the eye
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Chemical spills in the eye
  • Foreign object embedded in the eye
  • Sudden appearance of light flashes or floaters
  • Contact lens lost in the eye
Does an eye infection require urgent care?

Symptoms of an eye infection typically include itching, burning, redness, crusty and watery eyes. See a Knoxville eye doctor if your symptoms last over 4 days or if you experience intense pain, redness, blurred vision or light sensitivity.

What should I do if a foreign object enters my eye?

Most of the time, a person can easily remove debris from the eye by repeatedly blinking to get the debris out. If that doesn't work, you can wash your eye with saline (sterile salt water) to flush out any dust and dirt from your eye, or use streaming tap water.

However, to scratch your cornea while attempting to get an object out which can cause further site-threatening complications.

So the best thing you can do in this kind of eye emergency is to get to your eye doctor in Knoxville as soon as possible.

Patient Reviews
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480 Reviews
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- Jul. 20, 2024
A positive experience with all staff. They were informative, genuinely caring, knowledgable, client... centered, and attentive to my input and questions.
- Jul. 11, 2024
Caring professional group. Addressed my concerns completely and made me comfortable with my choices....
- Jun. 27, 2024
Customer service was outstanding. The staff are very knowledgeable and treat u with respect. Dr. A... mbrose was excellent, I have seen him several times and he is always on top of his game. I will always use the Eye Group.
- Jun. 15, 2024
I have been going to The Eye Group for 28 years. The doctors are thorough and thoughtful. The staff... has always been courteous and pleasant. If I have ever had an issue, they have gone above and beyond to correct it.
- May. 11, 2024
Dr. Lain takes time to consider my questions and answer them in a manner commensurate with my backgr... ound. He shows interest in me and asks about my family. Furthermore, he spends the necessary time with me to ensure I have the correct prescription for optimal eyesight. I also appreciate that he discusses improvements in eyewear and let's me make decisions about my vision needs after providing me with facts. I highly recommend Dr. Lain as an eye care physician and am blessed to have him as a friend.
- May. 05, 2024
Good time management.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Dr. Amburn is fantastic! Staff super friendly, as well.
- Apr. 28, 2024
Our family has been going to the Eye Group for years. We've always been very pleased with the care a... nd concern they show us, and we're a complicated group. I have dry eye, my husband has astigmatism, and my daughter has a kidney disease related eye condition, but we all have 20/20 with corrective lenses. I would recommend any of the doctors to take good care of you.
- Apr. 27, 2024
Always a good experience
- Apr. 13, 2024
Making sure someone can still use their eyesight is a big weight to tote around. Rather it had been ... from an accident or just wear and tear overtime, we have always walked out feeling taken care of. Great Team guys... Keep It Up!!!
- Apr. 12, 2024
Wonderful staff
- Apr. 06, 2024
Dr. K. Cross is the absolute best, knowledgeable, explains everything if needed, patient, gives you ... the time necessary to give you a thorough eye exam if needed, and explains anything that is found thoroughly, so that you completely understand and can make wise choices. The staff are professional, friendly, kind and attend to your needs. I highly recommend him and The Eye Group, both offices.
- Apr. 03, 2024
Staff is great. Dr. Cross is very thorough and extremely helpful. Would definitely recommend the Eye... Group.
- Mar. 20, 2024
I have went to many doctors to get help with dry eye disease. I finally got the help here I have des... perately needed. I highly recommend The Eye Group!
- Mar. 07, 2024
The team was very helpful, and thorough in filling my eyewear order.
- Mar. 02, 2024
Excellent place to go for all your eye issues. They have a huge selection of eye glasses to choose f... rom. I highly recommend this place.
- Feb. 23, 2024
The Eye Group is excellent. Very happy with my experience. Dr Manning is thorough and answers all my... questions. Appreciate the wonderful staff who are also very helpful and knowledgeable.
- Feb. 10, 2024
I’m always pleased with the care I receive at the Eye Group. Dr. Amburn was so helpful and profess... ional! He worked me into his schedule per my medical doctor’s request! I truly appreciated his level of care and his compassion!
- Feb. 02, 2024
Excellent on time care by a very caring professional .
- Feb. 01, 2024
The whole team there was really nice and professional, making the whole visit smooth and welcoming. ... And Dr. Lain? He's something else! It's so rare to find a doctor who not only knows his stuff but also takes the time to really listen and care for you. He made me feel valued and understood, and it's clear he loves what he does. I left feeling taken care of and super satisfied with my visit. Highly recommend him if you're looking for a doctor who genuinely cares!

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Urgent Eye Care in Knoxville

Our optometry practice in Knoxville

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Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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  • EyeMed
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  • AARP
  • AlwaysCare
  • Amerigroup
  • TriWest
  • EyeQuest
  • Blue Care
  • TennCare

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Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting The Eye Group - Kingston Pike in Knoxville without delay!

(865) 966-2020