Imagine you’re driving down a busy street, and suddenly a small pebble flies into your eye. It hurts, and you can’t see properly. You’re in a rush, and you’re wondering if you should go to the ER or if urgent care can help. Does Urgent Care Look At Eyes?
What Does Urgent Care Look At?
Urgent care centers are designed to handle non-life-threatening medical emergencies. They often have doctors and nurses on staff who can treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- Minor injuries: Sprains, strains, cuts, and bruises.
- Skin conditions: Rashes, infections, and bites.
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Do Urgent Care Centers Look at Eyes?
Yes, many urgent care centers are equipped to handle a variety of eye problems. They often have doctors and nurses who specialize in ophthalmology, the branch of medicine that deals with the eye. 
Urgent care doctor examining a patient with a red eye
While they may not have all the same diagnostic tools as a specialist, they can often determine the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Here are some common eye problems that can be treated at urgent care:
- Conjunctivitis: A common eye infection known as “pink eye.”
- Foreign bodies: Small objects like dirt, sand, or even a small insect that gets stuck in the eye.
- Eye abrasions: Scratches on the cornea, which can be painful and cause blurry vision.
- Styes: Small, red bumps on the eyelid that can be caused by a bacterial infection.
- Allergic reactions: Eye redness, itchiness, and swelling caused by allergies.
- Corneal ulcers: Open sores on the cornea, which can be caused by infections, injuries, or other conditions.
When To See An Urgent Care Doctor For Eye Problems
You should see an urgent care doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden vision loss
- Pain or discomfort
- Redness or swelling
- Discharge from the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry or double vision
- Feeling something in your eye
If you’re not sure if your eye problem is serious enough to warrant a trip to urgent care, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
When To See An Eye Specialist
While urgent care centers are a great resource for minor eye problems, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for a qualified eye specialist. 
Eye specialist examining a patient with an ophthalmoscope
If you have any concerns about your eye health, or if you have any of the following, it’s important to see an eye specialist:
- Glaucoma: A condition that damages the optic nerve, which can lead to blindness.
- Macular degeneration: A condition that affects the central part of the retina, which can cause vision loss.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which can cause blurry vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by diabetes.
- Dry eye: A condition that occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears.
Finding An Urgent Care Center Near You
If you need urgent care for an eye problem, you can find a center near you using a search engine or an online directory. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation.
Here are some resources to help you find an urgent care center near you:
- TechCarUSA Emergency Eye Care In Baltimore
- Physician One Urgent Care in Franklin
- Mont Belvieu Urgent and Family Care Clinic
Common Questions About Urgent Care and Eye Care
Here are some other questions that people often have about urgent care and eye care:
- Can urgent care prescribe glasses or contacts?
- Does urgent care treat eye injuries in children?
- Can urgent care diagnose eye conditions like glaucoma?
For any questions about your eye health, or if you have any questions about whether urgent care is the right option for you, we recommend you contact your doctor or an eye specialist.
Eye doctor examining a patient with an eye chart
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