Dr. Shonah Finlay Doctors Eye Care

Emergency Eye Care in Grande Prairie

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Do You Know What to Do in an Emergency? 

Eye emergencies can occur suddenly and place your eyesight at risk. 

If someone in your family experiences an eye-related emergency, you may not know what to do. If the injury is life-threatening, the emergency room is the best place to go. Otherwise, please contact us at Doctors EyeCare Grande Prairie. We have the knowledge and skill to help you and your family. Alberta Health Care covers these emergencies.

What Is an Eye Emergency? 

An eye emergency is a situation posing a threat to your eye health or vision. This can include a hit to the eye or a foreign body. In general, if you or a loved one is experiencing pain or redness, visit us for an examination. Some eye emergency symptoms include: 

  • Sudden vision changes 
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling 
  • Sudden pupil size changes
  • The appearance of blood on or inside of the eye

Common Eye Emergencies

Blunt Trauma

A hit to the eye may be the first thing you think of regarding eye emergencies. Blunt trauma can cause several injuries, including:

It’s natural for foreign objects such as dust, hair, or other debris to get caught in your eyes. When these objects scratch your eye’s surface, complications can arise.

Large or sharp objects can cause significant pain and damage to your eye, and they must be assessed by a professional as soon as possible. You should never attempt to remove these objects yourself.

Eye diseases may gradually progress until they significantly affect your vision, but some may occur suddenly and progress rapidly. These diseases require immediate attention and are considered medical emergencies:

  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage canals become blocked. The iris is not as wide or open as it commonly is, narrowing the space between the iris and cornea. Aqueous fluid is blocked when the angle narrows, causing a build-up of pressure on the optic nerve. Angle-closure glaucoma requires immediate attention.
  • Wet AMD: This is an eye disorder caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking fluid and blood into the macula. Symptoms can progress rapidly, resulting in vision loss. Wet AMD requires immediate medical attention.

Preserve Your Vision 

If you have an eye emergency, contact us immediately, and we will help you as best as we can. If our office is unavailable and the situation is dire, please go to your nearest emergency room for treatment.

Our Location

Our Address

  • 11709 102 Street, Unit 107
  • Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7S6

Contact Us

Clinic Hours

  • Monday (Alternating): 9:00 AM 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

Our Brands

Most of the frames we offer are European-made, giving you a unique and stylish alternative to typical U.S.-based options.

Our Blog

Why Does It Feel Like Something Is in My Eye?

Dry EyeDry Eye TherapyEye Health

One of the most common culprits is dry eye disease—a chronic condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the surface properly lubricated. While dry eye is often to blame, that gritty, scratchy feeling can also stem from other issues like allergies, corneal abrasions, or inflammation. […]

Read More…

August 13, 2025
Dr. Shonah Finlay

How Long Are Glasses Prescriptions Good For?

Eye HealthFrames & Lenses

Glasses prescriptions are generally valid for one to two years. […]

Read More…

July 3, 2025
Dr. Shonah Finlay

How to Tell if Your Sunglasses Are Polarized

Frames & LensesSunglasses

Whether your goal is to cut through glare, reduce discomfort on bright days, or simply verify what you already own, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying polarized lenses. […]

Read More…

June 12, 2025
Dr. Shonah Finlay
Close-up of a person gently touching their eye with a look of discomfort, suggesting the sensation of something in the eye.

One of the most common culprits is dry eye disease—a chronic condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the surface properly lubricated. While dry eye is often to blame, that gritty, scratchy feeling can also stem from other issues like allergies, corneal abrasions, or inflammation. […]

Read More…

A close up photo of hands selecting glasses from a display shelf.

Glasses prescriptions are generally valid for one to two years. […]

Read More…

A person fishing on a lake wearing polarized sunglasses to cut down on the glare of the water.

Whether your goal is to cut through glare, reduce discomfort on bright days, or simply verify what you already own, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying polarized lenses. […]

Read More…

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