Symptoms

These symptoms require prompt evaluation and treatment, often the same day:

• Sudden vision loss or significant vision changes in one or both eyes

• Severe eye pain that does not improve

• Eye injury from chemicals, burns, or foreign objects stuck in the eye

• Flashes of light accompanied by new floaters or a curtain or shadow over your vision

• Sudden onset of double vision

• Red, painful eye with discharge or crusting

• Foreign object embedded in the eye (metal shavings, wood chips, etc.)

• Eye trauma from sports injuries or workplace accidents

• Sudden severe headache with blurred vision, nausea, or halos around lights

Contact our office at (701) 800-7501 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. We offer same-day emergency appointments and have slit lamp microscopes, tonometers, and advanced imaging technology that most urgent care centers and emergency rooms lack. Our after-hours phone system directs emergency calls to our doctors’ cell phones, ensuring you receive guidance when you need it most.

Non-Emergency Symptoms: Schedule an Appointment Within a Few Days

These symptoms should be evaluated, but typically do not require same-day treatment: gradual blurring of vision over days or weeks, mild eye irritation or redness without pain, dry or scratchy eyes (especially after computer use), occasional floaters without flashes of light, minor eye fatigue or strain, difficulty reading or seeing at night, mild light sensitivity, and itchy or watery eyes from allergies.

Spring: Allergy Season (March Through June)

Spring brings tree and grass pollen, as well as other outdoor allergens, which trigger allergic conjunctivitis in many Mandan residents. Symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, redness, swelling of the eyelids, and a burning sensation. Unlike bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes simultaneously and is not contagious.

Prevention strategies include keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, using air conditioning with clean filters, wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and avoiding rubbing your eyes. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can provide relief, but if symptoms persist for more than a few days or significantly impact your daily activities, schedule an appointment. We can prescribe stronger medications or recommend treatments based on your specific triggers.

Summer: Increased Infection Risk (June Through August)

Summer activities increase your risk of eye infections. Swimming pools, lakes, and recreational water expose your eyes to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Contact lens wearers face an increased risk of infection when water becomes trapped between the lens and the eye. Outdoor activities also increase exposure to dust, debris, and insects that can cause corneal abrasions or introduce bacteria.

Protect your eyes by never swimming or showering in contact lenses, wearing goggles when swimming, using protective eyewear during yard work and sports, and washing your hands frequently before touching your eyes. If you develop redness, discharge, pain, or blurred vision after swimming or outdoor activities, contact our office promptly.

Fall: Ragweed and Mold Allergies (August Through October)

Fall brings ragweed pollen, one of the most common allergens affecting North Dakota residents, along with outdoor mold spores from decaying leaves. Many patients who do not experience spring allergies find their eyes severely affected in the fall. This season also sees an increase in fungal eye infections from yard work, particularly when handling compost, moldy leaves, or disturbed soil. Always wear protective eyewear when doing yard work, raking leaves, or using leaf blowers.

Winter: Dry Eye and Viral Infections (November Through March)

North Dakota’s harsh winters create a perfect storm for dry eye disease. Indoor heating systems remove moisture from the air, while cold outdoor temperatures and wind cause tears to evaporate rapidly. Winter also brings an increase in viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) cases as people spend more time indoors and in close contact.

Combat winter dry eye by using a humidifier in your bedroom and office, staying well-hydrated, taking breaks from screens, and using preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day. For persistent symptoms, our advanced dry eye treatments, including BlephEx and iLux, can provide lasting relief.

Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage

North Dakota’s intense sun exposure, amplified by winter snow reflection, increases your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you are outdoors, even on cloudy days. Wraparound styles offer the best protection. Our optical team can help you find protective eyewear that fits your lifestyle and prescription needs.

Manage Chronic Health Conditions

Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all increase your risk of serious eye diseases. If you have diabetes, maintaining good blood sugar control can reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy significantly. Work closely with your primary care physician to keep these conditions under control, and always inform our eye doctors about any chronic health conditions and medications you are taking.

Know Your Family History

Many eye diseases have genetic components. If your parents or siblings have glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye conditions, your risk increases significantly. Share your complete family health history with our doctors during your exam so we can implement appropriate screening and monitoring protocols.