Symptoms that need prompt care
Seek urgent medical or eye care for sudden vision loss, severe pain, new flashes or floaters, a curtain-like shadow, eye injury, chemical exposure, new double vision or light sensitivity with pain.
Ashfield NSW local optometrist
Urgent Eye Symptoms Guide
Some eye symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment. Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, new flashes or floaters, a curtain-like shadow, eye injury, new double vision or strong light sensitivity should be checked promptly.
Urgent eye symptoms guide at iFocus Optometrists
Learn which eye symptoms need prompt care, including sudden vision loss, severe pain, flashes, floaters, curtain shadows and new double vision.
- Sudden vision loss
- Flashes, floaters or curtain shadow
- Severe pain or eye injury
- New double vision needs prompt attention
Reviewed by: Dr Shirley Wang, B.Optom UNSW
Qualifications: Bachelor of Optometry, University of New South Wales
Languages: English, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese Chinese
Last medically reviewed: June 2026
Why triage matters
Many symptoms are minor, but some can signal retinal, inflammatory, neurological or injury-related problems. The safest next step depends on timing, severity and whether vision has changed.
Routine symptoms still deserve attention
Blur, headaches, dry eyes, watering, redness or contact lens discomfort can often be booked as an optometry appointment if they are not sudden or severe.
Common questions
Are sudden flashes or floaters urgent?
Yes. Sudden new flashes, many new floaters or a curtain-like shadow should be checked promptly.
Should eye pain wait for a routine appointment?
Severe eye pain, pain with light sensitivity, or pain with vision change should be treated as urgent.
Can iFocus help me decide where to go?
For sudden or severe symptoms, seek urgent medical or eye care promptly. For non-urgent symptoms, iFocus Optometrists can help with eye tests and advice.