Not every eye issue is an emergency, but some symptoms should never be ignored or delayed. Knowing which situations call for immediate care can protect your vision and, in some cases, your overall health. If you are experiencing any of the following, contact our office as promptly as possible rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.

Symptoms that warrant urgent eye care include:

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, even if it seems temporary

• A rapid increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow moving across your visual field

• Severe eye pain, especially when accompanied by nausea or vomiting

• A chemical splash or a foreign object in the eye

• Blunt trauma to the eye or surrounding area

• Significant eye redness, discharge, or swelling that develops quickly
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These symptoms can signal conditions including retinal detachment, acute angle-closure glaucoma, ocular trauma, and serious infections. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, suddenly seeing new floaters and flashes may indicate a torn or detached retina, a serious condition that must be treated promptly to prevent permanent vision loss. Getting evaluated by an eye care professional is the right first step when these symptoms

Physical injuries to the eye are among the most common reasons patients seek urgent care, particularly in agricultural and outdoor-heavy communities like those surrounding Medora. Whether the cause is a work-related accident, a farming incident, or a recreational injury, eye injuries require swift, professional evaluation. Our team assesses the extent of any damage, provides immediate treatment where appropriate, and coordinates referrals to surgical specialists when the situation requires a higher level of intervention. We do not perform ocular surgery at our office, but we are equipped to diagnose, stabilize, and connect patients with the right care without delay.

Chemical exposure to the eyes is another situation that calls for immediate action. If a chemical has entered the eye, flush it thoroughly with clean water for at least 15 minutes and then contact our office immediately for further evaluation.

Vision that changes rapidly and without explanation should always be taken seriously. Blurry vision that comes on suddenly can point to a range of conditions, from dangerous increases in eye pressure to vascular events affecting the retina or optic nerve.

Our doctors are trained to differentiate between causes that require immediate management and those that can be addressed in a routine setting, giving patients clarity and a clear path forward when they are most unsure.

Eye infections can escalate quickly, particularly when left untreated. Eye infections and injuries that produce significant pain, purulent discharge, swelling, or light sensitivity should be evaluated promptly rather than managed with over-the-counter remedies alone. Conditions like pink eye range from mild to serious, depending on the underlying cause, and bacterial or viral infections that spread to the deeper structures of the eye can result in lasting damage if not treated appropriately and in time.

Our team evaluates, diagnoses, and treats eye infections with precision, prescribing appropriate medications and providing guidance on preventing spread and supporting recovery.

When an eye emergency arises, you need a care team that responds with both urgency and clinical depth. Dr. Schauer, Dr. Aberle, and Dr. Dyke each bring specialized expertise to urgent eye care, including Dr. Aberle’s particular background in urgent ocular conditions and contact lens-related emergencies. As part of the Vision Source network, our practice is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology that allows us to assess the eye quickly and thoroughly, even in high-pressure situations.

​​​​​​​We proudly serve patients from Medora, Belfield, Beach, and communities throughout the Badlands region who rely on us as their accessible, experienced eye care resource