Medical & urgent eye care
Redness, pain, swelling, or sudden changes in vision can signal a medical eye problem that deserves prompt attention. Many of these conditions can be evaluated and treated directly in our office, often without the need for an emergency room visit.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Loi Thanh Mai, O.D.
Doctor of Optometry · Certified in the treatment and management of ocular disease · Last reviewed September 2026
When it cannot wait
Sudden loss of vision, a shadow or curtain moving across your sight, a sudden burst of new floaters or flashes, a chemical splash, a penetrating injury, or severe eye pain all need attention immediately. Call 714-542-2226 — and if we are closed, go straight to the nearest emergency room.
Eye problems evaluated and treated in-office
Dr. Mai is trained in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, allowing many eye infections, injuries, inflammatory conditions, and other urgent concerns to be evaluated and treated directly at Luminous Optometry.
For conditions that require a specialist, we coordinate the appropriate referral promptly.
- Conjunctivitis — bacterial, viral and allergic, which are treated very differently
- Styes, chalazia and blepharitis
- Corneal abrasions, scratches and superficial foreign bodies
- Contact lens overwear, corneal ulcers and related infections
- Iritis and other inflammatory conditions
- Sudden floaters and flashes — examined the same day where possible
- Glaucoma, cataract and macular monitoring
- Eye pain, light sensitivity and unexplained watering
When the problem is your eyes, start with an eye doctor
Redness, pain, injury, light sensitivity, and sudden vision changes often require more than a general medical exam. At Luminous Optometry, we can examine the structures of the eye in detail and determine whether treatment, monitoring, or urgent referral is needed.
General urgent care
- Broad evaluation of many medical concerns
- Eye-specific equipment may be limited
- Some eye conditions may require referral
- Follow-up may be with a different provider
- Best suited for general medical emergencies and systemic symptoms
Luminous Optometry
- Detailed slit lamp examination
- Eye pressure measurement when indicated
- Dilated retinal examination when needed
- Treatment tailored to the eye condition identified
- Follow-up with the same doctor who evaluated you
Questions patients ask
Often, yes — we deliberately hold appointment slots for urgent problems rather than booking the day solid. Call 714-542-2226 and describe what is happening.
Medical insurance, in almost every case. Vision plans cover routine exams and eyewear. A red eye, an injury, floaters or an infection is a medical problem.
No. You can come straight to us. If the problem needs a surgeon or a retinal specialist, Dr. Mai arranges the referral.
General urgent care usually lacks a slit lamp. Emergency rooms are the right call for trauma and sudden vision loss — for most other eye problems, an optometrist is faster and better equipped.
Dr. Mai is certified in the treatment and management of ocular disease, which in California means he can diagnose and prescribe for the great majority of eye conditions.
Do not rub it. Rinse gently with clean water or saline and call us. If it is metal, was traveling fast, or the eye was struck hard, go to an emergency room.
Eye problem right now?
Call and describe it. We will tell you honestly how quickly you need to be seen and by whom.