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Warning-sign checks

Allergic conjunctivitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency care is needed after a chemical exposure, a penetrating injury, or sudden major loss of vision.

    After a chemical splash, begin rinsing the eye immediately with clean lukewarm water and continue while emergency help is arranged.

    Do not delay rinsing to search for a specific eye solution.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical assessment for eye pain, significant light sensitivity, persistent blurred or reduced vision, marked swelling, a feeling that something is stuck in the eye, or symptoms that worsen despite treatment.

    Contact lens wearers with a painful, red eye should remove the lenses and seek prompt eye care because corneal infections can progress quickly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate when symptoms do not improve with reasonable allergen avoidance and properly selected nonprescription treatment, keep returning, interfere with daily activities, or make contact lens use difficult.

    A clinician should also review symptoms that are mostly one-sided or accompanied by thick discharge, eyelid skin changes, or worsening dryness.

    At follow-up, bring a list or photographs of all eye drops, medicines, cosmetics, and contact lens products being used.

    This helps the clinician identify possible triggers and avoid duplicate ingredients.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Allergic conjunctivitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.