Eye Emergencies in St. Louis Hills

Eye Emergencies in St. Louis Hills

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

(314) 351-4991

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 Chippewa Eye Centre for emergency eye care.

Our St. Louis Hills optometrists can help you preserve your vision and eye health.

eye emergency treated at Chippewa Eye Centre

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 St. Louis Hills 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 St. Louis Hills as soon as possible.

Patient Reviews
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24 Reviews
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- Jan. 16, 2025
Had an eye injury and was in pain. called as new patient hoping ot get in same day. They do not acce... pt my insurance but the office admin directed me to a place that does that could get me in! This helped me to quickly find care and for that I am so appreciative.
- Dec. 17, 2024
My daughter has had an excellent experience with the eye doctors here and she has been going for sev... eral years. Both her and I have had wonderful experiences with the optical department - very helpful and have gone above and beyond
- Sep. 20, 2024
Very polite and helpful staff!
- Sep. 17, 2024
The process of the entire appointment was seamless, and the staff was extremely helpful!
- Apr. 25, 2024
Called for an emergency they said come in, I had wood in my eye Dr Scott extremely professional got ... it out like nothing highly recommended. Everyone here was really nice.
- Nov. 13, 2023
I’ve been going to Dr. Bernier for about 15 years now and wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s... an incredible doctor- knowledgeable, kind, and truly listens to and cares for his patients. He’s a great advocate and I’m always so impressed with his team. I’ve heard stories from friends of them buying glasses and getting them adjusted at other places (specifically chains) and they are always very disappointed with the quality of product and care they receive. You won’t run into that here! Thank you so much, CEC!
- Nov. 10, 2023
Dr. Burke is excellent. Sharon my optical technician spent over an hour helping adjust 2 pairs of gl... asses that I had spent a ton of money for at another provider. She helped make my current glasses work and helped me with a new pair from their office for my technical work. I had tears of joy after I left. I could actually see!! Very few places put the EFFORT in like the Chippewa Eye Centre.
- Sep. 15, 2023
First time coming here and all I can say is everyone was great, Dr was super nice. Recommend to anyo... ne
- Feb. 18, 2023
Do not be fooled by other discounts and gimmicks from other places. This is the real deal; professio... nal and knowledgeable. Shout-out to Sharon! I will be back, and I'm bringing friends and family!
- Apr. 03, 2022
Optometrist was great didn't oversell anything addressed all of my concerns
- Feb. 16, 2022
New patient process was absolutely seamless. Everyone in this office is so nice and personable. They... were great at handling every step of the appointment with no friction, explaining everything as they went. I was able to get my exam, pick out frames, handle costs/insurance questions, and complete extra testing with no hiccups. I highly recommend this office and will continue to visit for any future eye care needs I have!
- Oct. 02, 2020
Always awesome and very friendly staff.
- Jan. 07, 2017
Dr. Bernier is the best. I have seen opthalmologists and optometrists in 5 states: NY, PA, IA, KS an... d MO. Because of a congenital eye condition, I have worn glasses since age 2. I was first examined by Dr. Bernier while he was volunteering at the Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired. In all my years of getting fitted with the proper prescription, I had never had a doctor who made that process seen calm and unhurried. Not only that, but the prescription was significantly better than any I had ever had. I was curious to see if Dr. Bernier would take the same calm unhurried approach while in his own practice. Well, I can assure you that he does. I have been a very satisfied customer for 20+ years and have not been shy about recommending his services to others. Dr. Bernier--and all of his staff-- give customer first care from the moment you enter the door.
- Jan. 30, 2016
He was very efficient. Not only was he knowledgeable with the questions but he was friendly while wo... rking.
- Jan. 16, 2016
I always have a great experience at Chippewa. Dr. Bernier very intelligent and goes above and beyond... for his patients. The staff are all super friendly and knowledgeable about what they are doing. I know I'm always getting a great experience and product here and thats what keeps me coming back!

View All 24 Reviews

Urgent Eye Care in St. Louis Hills

Our optometry practice in St. Louis Hills

Photograph of Scott Burks
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Metlife

Woman with red eyes holding her head

Have an eye emergency?

Protect your vision by contacting Chippewa Eye Centre in St. Louis Hills without delay!

(314) 351-4991