Knowing the warning signs, and when it's imperative to see an eyecare professional right away, is important for the long-term health of your eyes. Never leave an emergency until it's too late.
Chief Complaint |
Appointment |
|
BLOW to the eye or nearby area |
TODAY |
|
CHEMICALS IN EYE (Irrigate immediately for 30 minutes with saline if available or tap water) |
IMMEDIATELY |
|
DECREASED VISION Over a period of weeks |
IMMEDIATELY SOON |
|
DISCHARGE If yellow or green and eye is red If clear or pearly, whitish |
TODAY SOON |
|
DOUBLE VISION Sudden onset |
TODAY |
|
DROOPING LID Very sudden onset Has been puffy over a few days |
TODAY SOON |
|
FLASHING LIGHTS or FLOATERS Sudden onset |
IMMEDIATELY |
|
FOREIGN BODY or the feeling of one |
TODAY |
|
LOSS OF VISION Sudden onset, with or without pain Gradual, without pain |
IMMEDIATELY SOON |
|
ODD or UNUSUAL VISION Cloudy veil |
IMMEDIATELY |
|
CURTAIN Rising or falling in front of vision |
IMMEDIATELY |
|
FLASHING LIGHTS |
IMMEDIATELY |
|
FLOATERS Sudden onset Noticing more recently |
IMMEDIATELY SOON |
|
HALOS around lights |
TODAY |
|
PAIN Mild to moderate Moderate to severe |
SOON TODAY |
|
RED EYE Sudden onset or persistent, with or without pain Been putting up with for a while |
TODAY SOON |
|
SWOLLEN EYELID |
SOON |