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Warning-sign checks

Blindness and vision loss: 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

    Sudden vision loss, a curtain-like shadow, many new flashes or floaters, severe eye pain, or vision symptoms with signs of stroke require emergency assessment rather than a routine appointment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • 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

    If home monitoring has been recommended, ask what change should prompt a call.

    Do not wait for the next routine appointment if vision worsens rapidly.

    Contact the eye clinic promptly for a new but gradual change, increasing trouble with daily activities, or new treatment side effects.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on the cause and whether vision is stable.

    A clinician may repeat visual acuity, eye pressure, retinal imaging, or visual field testing.

    Keep scheduled visits even when there are no new symptoms, because some eye diseases progress quietly.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable, gradual problems being monitored by an eye care professional.

The article also says

Bring an up-to-date medicine list and report any changes in sight, treatment side effects, falls, or difficulty completing daily tasks.

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