Certain situations involving your eye require emergency care. On this page, we've outlined the key symptoms and conditions that indicate that your vision is in jeopardy and require immediate medical attention.
The above symptoms are signs of serious eye conditions that require prompt treatment from a doctor. Some of the most common problems we see that demand emergency eyecare at the Benjamin Eye Institute include:
Eye infections are very serious, and can worsen rapidly. Pink eye is one infection that requires emergency eyecare to prevent it from spreading and damaging your vision. Signs of this infection include red and watery eyes, itching, swelling, eye discharge, discomfort and blurry vision.
Many eye injuries require immediate treatment or surgery to prevent permanent damage or vision loss. If there's any question about the severity of your eye injury, we recommend erring on the side of caution and making an appointment.
The most common eye injuries we treat at the Benjamin Eye Institute in Los Angeles are corneal abrasions and traumatic iris. With corneal abrasion, our eye is scratched due to being poked or rubbed by dust or sand. They can be very painful and may cause sensitivity to light. If you think you have a corneal abrasion, don't rub your eye or patch it and make an appointment for emergency eyecare as soon as possible.
Traumatic iris occurs when the colored portion of the eye experiences inflammation after being poked or hit by a blunt object. There is a risk that this condition can result in decreased vision, so prompt attention is necessary.
If you have been splashed or sprayed in the eye with a chemical substance, you need to be seen by a doctor immediately. Before arriving at our Los Angeles office, run your head under warm tap water for around 20 minutes. If your eye is red and your vision is blurry after being exposed to a chemical, you need emergency eyecare. Severe chemical exposures can cause serious eye damage and vision loss, so time is of the essence.
If an object penetrates your eye, obtain emergency eyecare immediately. Do not try to remove the object yourself and avoid rubbing your eyes, as both actions could cause further damage. Place a loose eye shield to protect the area and seek medical attention right away to preserve your vision.
You may put your vision in the best hands by asking the proper questions of a potential LASIK physician using this No-Regrets Guide. We've included our own responses to these inquiries to prevent you from having to conduct an interview. But if you need more explanation or have other worries, let us know! We are at your service.
If you first experience a disaster like dry eye, the fundamental rule and recommendation would be to speak with a skilled ophthalmologist before putting anything in your eyes. Since choosing a treatment requires more pathophysiological understanding than simply purchasing the first eye drops you see.
Pterygium removal is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal tissue growing onto the cornea, often followed by a conjunctival autograft or amniotic membrane graft to support healing and reduce recurrence. This recovery guide explains what to expect after surgery, how to use prescribed ointments and drops, why UV protection is essential, how dry eye management supports healing, and when to contact our office during recovery.
Prokera® Slim is an FDA-cleared biological medical device that uses amniotic membrane to support healing of the ocular surface. This treatment may help reduce inflammation, suppress scarring, and restore damaged eye tissue in conditions such as keratitis, chemical burns, corneal scars, epithelial defects, and severe dry eye. Prokera is placed in the office, worn continuously for several days, and removed by Dr. Benjamin at a follow-up visit.
Valeda Light Delivery System is an advanced treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration, designed to support retinal cells and help preserve visual function. The procedure uses photobiomodulation — low-level light therapy with specific wavelengths — and is performed quickly, without pain, eye drops, injections, or recovery time.
If your vision becomes blurry, hazy, or foggy months or years after cataract surgery, it may be caused by posterior capsule opacification — often called a “secondary cataract.” This is a common and treatable condition, not a return of the original cataract. At Benjamin Eye Institute, Dr. Arthur Benjamin performs YAG laser capsulotomy in the office to quickly and painlessly clear the cloudy capsule behind the lens implant, with no incisions or stitches and clearer vision often restored the same day.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. This recovery guide explains what to expect after eyelid surgery, including swelling, bruising, cold compresses, suture removal, activity restrictions, and important instructions to support safe healing and the best possible aesthetic result.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an in-office laser treatment designed to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This guide explains how SLT works, what to expect during the procedure, how Dr. Benjamin’s 180° treatment strategy is used, and why SLT may reduce or delay the need for daily glaucoma eye drops.
