With emotions heightened and chaos ruling over the festive season, accidents can happen, and we all feel that dread and panic if things go wrong. The services you rely on at the other end of the phone may not be there, so here’s our guide to eye emergencies and what to do.

Flashing lights and/or broken vision – this could simply be a migraine, common due to dehydration, stress or certain trigger foods – or a more serious retinal or vitreous detachment. If the symptoms pass within half an hour, and there’s no reoccurrence, then don’t panic. If you have any visual disturbance or lasting symptoms, then go to A & E.

Blood appearing on the white of the eye – this is simply a bruise, showing up dramatically after a blood vessel bursts. It may ache slightly if you’ve had a blow to the eye area, but is usually completely painless. Seek help if your vision is disturbed, otherwise the blood will disperse and fade within a few days.

Sticky, itchy, eyes with discharge – this is usually a mild infection, Conjunctivitus, and you need anti-biotic drops. In the mean time take care not to spread the infection, it’s very contagious. It could also be an allergy, which can be treated with drops. Speak to your Pharmacist and they may pass you to your GP.

Severe pain in the eye – could be several things but the most urgent is an attack of acute Glaucoma. Symptoms like this should not be ignored, so go to A&E immediately.

Sudden loss of vision – again, could be due to several things, the most worrying of which is a Venous Occlusion, should be checked immediately.

Obviously if you’re worried about any sudden symptoms seek help at once, immediate treatment may save your sight. If your optician doesn’t have an emergency helpline then go directly to your nearest Hospital.