Eye Care Emergencies & Acting Fast
The Importance of Acting Fast—And Having Someone in Your Corner
Recently, we had a patient experience that reminded us just how critical timely eye care can be—and how important it is to have a trusted eye doctor advocating for you.
Several years ago, this patient suffered a retinal detachment and unfortunately lost vision in one eye. Because of that experience, she understands better than most how serious sudden eye symptoms can be.
So when she began noticing flashes of light and new floaters in her other eye—her good eye—on a Friday morning, she knew she couldn’t ignore it.
She immediately did the right thing and contacted her retinal specialist to request an urgent appointment. Hours passed. By noon, she still hadn’t heard back. Understandably concerned, she reached out to our office for help.
At the time, she was in Austell, Georgia. Her retinal specialist was in Douglasville. Our office is in Carrollton. But distance didn’t matter.
What mattered was protecting her vision.
Why Flashes and Floaters Can Be an Emergency
Sudden flashes of light, new floaters, or a shadow/curtain in your vision can be warning signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment—a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
When it comes to retinal problems, time is vision.
The retina is the delicate, light-sensitive tissue lining the back of your eye. If it detaches, it loses its blood supply and can quickly lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Because this patient had already experienced retinal detachment in the past, her risk was higher—and her symptoms were especially concerning.
Advocating for Our Patient
When she called us, we immediately contacted her retina specialist’s office on her behalf. We explained:
Her symptoms (new flashes and floaters)
Her history of retinal detachment
The urgency of protecting her remaining vision
Thanks to direct communication and quick coordination, she was scheduled and seen at 1:00 PM the same day.
That kind of rapid response can make all the difference.
The Importance of Having an Eye Doctor in Carrollton, GA Who Has Your Back
Eye emergencies are stressful. They’re even more overwhelming when:
You can’t reach a specialist
You’re unsure how serious the symptoms are
You’re trying to coordinate care across different offices
At West Georgia Eye Care, we believe your care doesn’t stop when you leave our office. Whether we need to examine you directly or help coordinate with a retinal specialist, we are here to guide and advocate for you.
You should never feel like you’re navigating an eye emergency alone.
When Should You Call an Eye Doctor Right Away?
Contact an eye care professional immediately if you experience:
Sudden flashes of light
A sudden increase in floaters
A dark curtain or shadow in your vision
Sudden blurred or distorted vision
Any rapid change in vision
Even if you’re not sure whether it’s serious, it’s always better to call. Early evaluation can protect your sight.
We’re Here for You
Your vision is precious. And when something doesn’t feel right, fast action matters.
If you experience concerning eye symptoms in Carrollton, Douglasville, Austell, or surrounding West Georgia communities, call West Georgia Eye Care right away. Whether we need to see you in our office or help coordinate urgent specialty care, we will make sure you get the attention you need—when you need it.
Because your vision matters to us. Always.