Eye Emergencies in Jefferson City

Eye Emergencies in Jefferson City

Foreign objects or stabbing pains in your eye? Don’t wait!

(573) 635-1313

Experiencing a stab of pain in your eye?

Sudden changes in vision? Images appearing faded, blurry or foggy?

Got chemicals or another foreign object or substance in your eye?

Come visit Eyes On Missouri - Jefferson City for emergency eye care.

Our Jefferson City optometrists can help you preserve your vision and eye health.

eye emergency treated at Eyes On Missouri - Jefferson City

We understand that accidents happen.

Our optometrists know exactly what to do to help you through your eye care emergency.

Whether it’s a workplace accident, an at-home incident, or some other emergency requiring immediate attention, we’re here to help you preserve your eye health and sight!


What To Do If You Have an Eye Emergency

close-up of eye

First things first. Don’t panic! Staying calm is the best way to help you think straight and help those around you to remain calm. Often, it’s not necessary to go to an emergency room for eye emergencies. In fact, the vast majority of people who go to the emergency room for eye care could have received treatment from their local optometrist instead.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing an eye emergency, give us a call immediately! Delay may increase the risk of serious complications and may result in vision loss.

Until you see your eye doctor or seek urgent care, avoid the following:

  • Don’t try to remove an embedded object out of your eye
  • If your eye is injured, don't press on it or rub it
  • Dry cotton and sharp instruments such as tweezers should never be used on the eye.

Whether you've had a workplace accident or an at-home incident, our eye doctors are here to help


Eye Emergencies FAQs

What is considered an eye emergency?

Eye emergencies are anything that may cause permanent damage to your eyes or vision without timely intervention from an eye care professional.

The most common types of eye emergencies include:

  • A blow, poke or other trauma to the eye
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Chemical spills in the eye
  • Foreign object embedded in the eye
  • Sudden appearance of light flashes or floaters
  • Contact lens lost in the eye
Does an eye infection require urgent care?

Symptoms of an eye infection typically include itching, burning, redness, crusty and watery eyes. See a Jefferson City eye doctor if your symptoms last over 4 days or if you experience intense pain, redness, blurred vision or light sensitivity.

What should I do if a foreign object enters my eye?

Most of the time, a person can easily remove debris from the eye by repeatedly blinking to get the debris out. If that doesn't work, you can wash your eye with saline (sterile salt water) to flush out any dust and dirt from your eye, or use streaming tap water.

However, to scratch your cornea while attempting to get an object out which can cause further site-threatening complications.

So the best thing you can do in this kind of eye emergency is to get to your eye doctor in Jefferson City as soon as possible.


Meet our Eye Emergencies Specialists

Patient Reviews
4.8
888 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Apr. 16, 2025
It's really hard to describe how pleasant AND educational a visit to Dr Zahn's office is. His very e... mpathic and thoughtful communication is truly unique among all medical specialists; added bonus? His employees emulate his approach to patient care. You will relish having become connected with Eyes On Missouri.
- Apr. 07, 2025
Super friendly staff, amazing selection of frames, and Dr. Zahn is just terrific.
- Mar. 28, 2025
Dr. Zahn is so awesome! Takes time to really listen to any concerns and is goofy and fun while in th... e exam room!
- Mar. 13, 2025
Dr. Zahn & his team have taken care of me for the past 4 years and I am so grateful to them. They ar... e always so helpful and cheerful. It's fun going to see them and they always make me feel so welcome. They have a really good selection of eyeglass frames from luxury brands as well.
- Mar. 08, 2025
Everyone at Eyes on Missouri is knowledgable, helpful, friendly, and professional. Dr. Zahn is simp... ly amazing! I have complex vision issues and he was able to help me obtain the best outcome I have had in over 35 years and several opthamologists. In addition, Dr. Zahn is kind, compassionate, and respectful to his patients. I feel very fortunate to have found Eyes on Missouri and Dr. Zahn upon my recent move to central Missouri!
- Mar. 08, 2025
The very best!
- Feb. 17, 2025
The quality of my vision examinations is top notch at Eyes on Missouri. If you’re experiencing any... problems with your eyes, don’t wait, visit Eyes on Missouri now. You won’t regret it.
- Feb. 14, 2025
Very fast eye exam. Doctor was very knowledgeable about diabetes effects on eyes.
- Feb. 12, 2025
I had a great experience with these people. All of them were friendly and knowledgeable. My optometr... ist took the time to explain all my opinions and addresses my concerns. Very nice digs too. 😀
- Feb. 09, 2025
Outstanding people from the receptionist to the doctor.
- Feb. 04, 2025
Very friendly and professional staff. Got me in quickly for an emergency appointment after an injury... . Called at 8am and appointment was at 10am. Clean and spacious building makes you feel comfortable while you’re there and Dr Hillhemp I believe was the name of the lady that checked me out and she was AMAZING. I usually use Dr Zahn but he was out of the office this day. He is also very friendly and very informative. Nowhere else I’d rather go for my eye care.
- Feb. 02, 2025
Everyone is so friendly and helpful!
- Jan. 23, 2025
I always get friendly service at Eyes on Missouri. Highly recommend Dr. Zahn and this location for ... your eye care services!
- Jan. 23, 2025
I like both doctors in this office. Friendly, fast service.
- Dec. 19, 2024
The staff is amazing!!! I stepped on my glasses and broke the frame. The staff was able to find me... a replacement frame extremely quickly. I highly recommend you come here for your eye care needs.
- Dec. 14, 2024
the ONLY place to get glasses!
- Dec. 08, 2024
Stellar customer service! And my favorite (nerdy) part is the purposeful and unobtrusive efforts the... y make to ensure time is managed well *without* making patients feel rushed or unattended. For example, they use an adaptation of a technique called Kanban, where a visual on the wall alerts patients in the waiting area to whether or not the doctors on are on time or not. This may seem minor but it effectively communicates if there will be an extended wait. I also noticed that a staff member who works with patients to choose eyewear came into the exam room at the end of my exam, presumably at a predetermined time to help the entire staff remain on track for the appointments for the day. If a medical team is that dedicated to simple time management strategies, imagine the level of care and dedication they exhibit when it comes to patient care and eye health! As long as I live in the area, I will continue to receive care from Eyes on Missouri and encourage everyone else I know to do the same!
- Dec. 06, 2024
Highly recommend Eyes on Missouri! I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door and the staff help... ed in getting a great frame that fit my face and bridge.
- Dec. 02, 2024
Great experience an quality
- Nov. 22, 2024
Everyone here from in to out was very pleasant, efficient and helpful.

View All 888 Reviews

Urgent Eye Care in Jefferson City

Our optometry practice in Jefferson City

Photograph of Elizabeth  Hedgpath
Hours
  • Monday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife

Woman with red eyes holding her head

Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting Eyes On Missouri - Jefferson City in Jefferson City without delay!

(573) 635-1313