Eye Emergencies in White Bear Lake

Eye Emergencies in White Bear Lake

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

(651) 426-2747

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 Birch Lake Eye Clinic for emergency eye care.

Our White Bear Lake optometrists can help you preserve your vision and eye health.

eye emergency treated at Birch Lake Eye Clinic

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 White Bear Lake 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 White Bear Lake as soon as possible.

Patient Reviews
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446 Reviews
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- Sep. 23, 2024
I feel comfortable in place and bright good positive
- Sep. 18, 2024
Everyone was soo wonderful. From the moment I stepped in to check in and to when I chose my glasses,... all staffs were so nice and welcoming. The doctors educated me well and I felt very comfortable. This will be my forever eye place unless of course I move away
- Sep. 07, 2024
Very positive
- Jul. 24, 2024
Dr. Lucas is exceptional and possesses a deep understanding of eye care. He identified a serious con... dition early on, preventing significant permanent damage. I have complete trust in his expertise and the way he cares for my eyes. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend him and the team at Birch Lake Eye Clinic.
- Jul. 22, 2024
Everyone was so friendly! They helped me pick out the perfect frames and the exam process was so eas... y.
- Jun. 12, 2024
Everyone is amazing, They were quick with getting me in for a emergency with my vision. The staff wa... s very kind and empathic to my concerns. The providers are also Great. Making sure they are quick but there to answer all the question you have. They also do a great job of recommending other providers for services that they don't do in their clinic. I go to both Blaine and White Bear Lake Locations. Both Clinics have wonderful staff and providers.
- Jun. 09, 2024
Wonderful experience for my son, very welcoming
- Jun. 05, 2024
A very friendly and knowledgeable staff that will greet you with a smile!! I have been getting my g... lasses from for years and will continue to use them for all my future eyewear needs!! Highly recommend!!!
- May. 15, 2024
Have been going to Birch Lake Eye Clinic And Optical for years and will continue to do so. The eye ... exam is thorough and great eyewear selection! Thank you so much!!
- May. 15, 2024
First time at this clinic, wonderful staff and great clinic. Everything was clean and professional! ... Would recommend this to anyone in the area!
- Apr. 29, 2024
Everyone at this office is so friendly and fun! I had to bring my 3.5 month old and they made me fee... l so comfy doing that. Great experience. Got glasses back quick!
- Apr. 07, 2024
Very friendly and efficient staff and Doctor. Did not have to wait to get checked in and waited les... s than 5 mn to get into appointment. Doctor and staff took time to listen to my concerns. Everyone here is very professional and the offices are very nice and clean. Positive experience.
- Mar. 12, 2024
If you are looking for an eye clinic do check out Birch Lake Eye Clinic and Optical. Dr. Lucas is v... ery kind and knowledgeable and takes the time to explain things and all the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful.
- Feb. 21, 2024
My entire family came here for our eye care. The Dr and staff were very friendly, patient and consid... erate when it came to our different vision needs and the special care we all needed. We are very satisfied with the service and our glasses we received. Thank you for your professionalism, patience, kindness, curtesy, expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Your service was exceptional and I highly recommend your office to all my friends and family and to anyone looking for good service.
- Jan. 23, 2024
The clinic and staff are a blessing in my life and have turned a "have to do" chore into a "looking ... forward to going in" positive experience. It is wonderful to see them . . . in more ways than one!
- Jan. 13, 2024
Everyone was friendly, caring, and competent.
- Jan. 05, 2024
Professional, knowledgeable and excellent choice of frames.
- Dec. 30, 2023
Dr. Lucas and his staff are excellent. I would recommend them to everyone. A gem in White Bear Lake... !
- Dec. 29, 2023
As a new patient in serious need of an appointment the front desk staff of the Birch Lake Eye Clinic... worked quickly to find me an appointment as soon as possible. Dr Lucas and his assistant were great and very informative. I felt very at ease in this clinic and will return.
- Dec. 22, 2023
So much positive about your staff! I wish I knew all their names. My first contact was Mark on the... phone. So patient, kind and understanding. The receptionist was amazing. I think she could read my anxiety. The eye technician to the doctor simple the best. But they captured my heart when my temporary (trial lens) ripped the night before my flight to visit my daughter. I went into the clinic and most fabulous (so sorry I cannot remember her name) went the extra mile and got the lens I needed. From another location driven to me by an employee. She also researched my insurance policy and found coverage for a pair of glasses. Helped me pick out a frame. My anxiety was at a 10 plus. She was so calming and made me feel I was important. ❤️

View All 446 Reviews

Urgent Eye Care in White Bear Lake

Our optometry practice in White Bear Lake

Photograph of Brian  Grudem
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Woman with red eyes holding her head

Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting Birch Lake Eye Clinic in White Bear Lake without delay!

(651) 426-2747