Whether it’s a strange new mark that has appeared on the white of your eye, a sudden increase in floaters, or a child who has been poked in the eye at school, experiencing an eye issue can be incredibly worrying. At Andrea Kay Opticians, we are here to support our local Stockport community with expert visual health advice and professional evaluations. We understand that not every eye concern happens during a scheduled checkup. Below is a helpful guide on common minor eye concerns and the best steps to take for relief and safety.
Common Eye Concerns and What They Mean
Our experienced optometrist regularly diagnoses and advises on a variety of everyday eye issues:
- New Marks or Spots on the Eye: A bright red patch on the white of your eye is often a subconjunctival haemorrhage (a tiny broken blood vessel, similar to a bruise). While alarming, it is usually harmless and resolves on its own. However, any persistent yellow bumps (pinguecula) or new dark spots should always be professionally evaluated.
- Minor Injuries & Scratches: Kids getting poked in the eye or adults getting dust, grit, or makeup trapped under the eyelid can cause painful scratches (corneal abrasions). We can gently check for foreign bodies, inspect the cornea using specialist dye, and advise on healing drops to prevent infection.
- Red, Sticky, or Gritty Eyes: Often signs of conjunctivitis (infection or allergy) or dry eyes. We can identify the cause and advise on over-the-counter or prescription solutions to soothe your discomfort.
- Sudden Flashes and Floaters: If you suddenly see small spots, webs, or flashing lights in your vision, it is essential to have a comprehensive retinal examination immediately. This can be a sign of a posterior vitreous detachment or, in rare cases, a retinal tear.
Triage Guide: Optician, GP, or A&E?
Knowing where to go when you have an eye concern can protect your sight. Use our styled triage guide below to identify the most appropriate care path:
✓ Visit Andrea Kay Opticians
For minor visual issues, structural changes, and routine evaluations:
- Minor eye scratches or child eye pokes (watering but eye can open)
- Persistent dry, red, or gritty eyes
- Worrying new marks, spots, or yellow bumps on the white of the eye
- Gradual changes in reading or distance vision
⚠ Contact Your GP or Pharmacist
For general inflammatory issues and minor infections:
- Standard seasonal eye allergies (itchy, watery eyes in summer)
- Mild sticky discharge or suspected bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Minor swollen eyelids without deep pain
🚨 Go Straight to A&E (Eye Casualty)
For sight-threatening emergencies requiring immediate hospital attention:
- Sudden, severe, or deep boring pain inside the eye
- Chemical splashes (flush with clean water for 15 minutes first!)
- Sudden, complete, or partial loss of vision
- A penetrating eye injury (sharp object or high-speed particle entering the eye)
- Severe flashes of light accompanied by a sudden shower of new floaters
General Eye Concerns FAQs
My child was poked in the eye and it's red. What should I do?
Keep them calm and prevent them from rubbing the eye. If the eye is watering, red, or they are struggling to keep it open, please call us or drop by. We can examine the eye closely for microscopic scratches and ensure there is no deeper damage, prescribing soothing lubricant drops if necessary. If they experience severe pain or visual loss, go straight to A&E.
I have suddenly developed new floaters or flashes of light. Is this urgent?
Yes. A sudden onset of new floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a dark shadow over your vision, requires urgent professional attention. Please contact us immediately so we can perform a dilated retinal assessment to rule out a retinal tear or detachment.
Talk to Us About Your Eye Concerns
If you are worried about your eyes, do not wait in uncertainty. Contact our friendly Stockport Underbank team today for professional advice.