An eye condition is an emergency if its occurrence is unpredictable and it requires treatment or admission at short notice to avoid damage to the eye or eyesight. Eye emergencies include cuts, scratches, and objects in the eye, burns, chemical exposure, and blunt injuries to the eye or eyelid. Since the eye is easily damaged, any of these conditions can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Eye problems (such as a painful red eye) that are not due to injury still need urgent medical attention.

Emergency eye care is an important component in the provision of a comprehensive ophthalmic service. Prompt and correct management of acute eye conditions and injuries will prevent avoidable problems and improve outcomes. It is important that where initial presentation of emergency conditions is to a general A&E department.