My Pet Has an Eye Injury — Is This an Emergency?
Yes. Eye injuries and sudden vision changes in pets are almost always time-sensitive. The eye is one of the most delicate organs in the body, and conditions that seem minor can deteriorate rapidly — sometimes causing permanent vision loss within hours if not treated. If your pet is showing signs of eye pain, injury, or an unusual eye appearance, call Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital at (423) 581-9492 or come in directly. We’re available 24 hours a day, every day, in New Market, TN.
Emergency eye care available 24/7 — no appointment needed
Specialized diagnostics including fluorescein staining and tonometry
Treatment for the full range of eye emergencies, from ulcers to proptosis
Ophthalmologist referral coordination for complex cases
Immediate Eye Assessment
Rapid evaluation to assess injury severity and protect your pet’s vision from the moment they arrive.
Specialized Eye Diagnostics
Fluorescein staining, tonometry, and ophthalmoscopic exam to identify the cause fast.
Treatment & Referral
On-site treatment for most eye emergencies, with direct referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist when specialist care is needed.
What to Do If Your Pet Has an Eye Injury
Do not rub or flush the eye yourself unless a veterinarian directs you to — improper rinsing can push foreign objects deeper or damage an already injured cornea. Do not apply any drops, ointments, or home remedies without speaking to our team first. Some medications, including steroid drops, can cause serious harm if the cornea is ulcerated.
If your pet is pawing at the eye, use an e-collar if you have one at home to prevent further damage. If there is visible protrusion or significant trauma, gently cover the eye with a clean damp cloth — do not press down. Then call us at (423) 581-9492 or come directly to 2040 W Hwy 11E Suite B, New Market, TN. Eye emergencies are among the most time-sensitive conditions in veterinary medicine. The faster we see your pet, the more treatment options we have.
Get Help Now
If your pet has an eye injury or something looks wrong, don’t wait to see if it improves. Vision loss from conditions like glaucoma or proptosis can become permanent within hours. Call us now or come directly to our hospital — our team will assess your pet immediately.
24/7 emergency eye injury and eye disease care
Specialized diagnostics to identify the problem fast
Clear prognosis and treatment plan before you leave
Trusted Emergency Care When It Matters Most
Pet families across New Market and Jefferson County trust Five Rivers for fast response, honest communication, and compassionate care during their most stressful moments.
Got Questions?
My pet's eye looks a little red — do I need to come in right away?
It depends on how it started and what else you’re seeing. Sudden redness, cloudiness, squinting, pawing, or discharge that appeared without explanation warrants a same-day evaluation. Eye conditions can escalate quickly, and what looks minor externally can signal serious internal damage. If you’re unsure, call us at (423) 581-9492 — our team can help you assess whether it needs immediate attention.
Can I put eye drops in my pet's eye before coming in?
No — not without speaking to a veterinarian first. Certain medications, including steroid-based eye drops, can cause serious harm if the cornea is ulcerated. Even saline rinsing can push a foreign object deeper in some cases. Hold off on any home treatment and call us at (423) 581-9492 before applying anything to the eye.
What kinds of eye emergencies do you treat?
We treat the full range of eye emergencies including corneal ulcers and abrasions, proptosis (eye displacement from the socket), glaucoma, uveitis, hyphema (bleeding inside the eye), foreign bodies, eyelid lacerations, chemical or irritant exposure, and retinal detachment. For complex cases requiring specialist follow-up, we coordinate referral directly to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Are you open 24/7 for eye emergencies?
Yes. Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Eye emergencies don’t follow a schedule — and neither do we. Call us at (423) 581-9492 any time and our team will be ready to help.
Eye Emergencies Don't Wait. Neither Should You.
Vision loss from untreated eye injuries can become permanent within hours. Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital is open around the clock in New Market, TN — ready to evaluate your pet immediately and give you a clear picture of what they need.
