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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for sudden eye or facial swelling accompanied by difficulty breathing, faintness, wheezing, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
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 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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent, same-day eye care for:
New or worsening blurred or reduced vision
Moderate or severe eye pain
Marked sensitivity to light
Inability to close the eyelids
Increasing swelling after surgery or injury
Contact lens use with pain, light sensitivity, or reduced vision
Fever, a bulging eye, double vision, or pain or difficulty moving the eye
Chemical exposure after immediately rinsing the eye with clean water
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when mild swelling is improving, vision is normal, and there is no significant pain.
Contact a clinician if symptoms persist, keep returning, or do not improve as expected with the recommended care.
People recovering from eye surgery should follow the schedule provided by their surgeon.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Chemosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.