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
Go to an emergency department immediately for:
New loss, dimming, or marked blurring of vision
Difficulty moving the eye
A bulging or noticeably displaced eye
Severe headache, confusion, faintness, or repeated vomiting
Rapid swelling with serious illness or reduced alertness
These signs may indicate pressure on eye structures or infection spreading through the eye socket.
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
Arrange prompt medical assessment for new swelling or pain at the upper outer eyelid, especially if it is one-sided, tender, or accompanied by fever.
Eye-area swelling cannot be assessed safely without checking vision and eye movement.
Seek urgent same-day medical care for severe or rapidly increasing swelling, fever with worsening eye symptoms, pus, double vision, or increasing pain when moving the eye.
They need urgent examination rather than a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Contact your usual eye or medical team for routine follow-up if:
Swelling is not improving as expected
Symptoms return after treatment
A painless lump remains after redness settles
Both eyes become affected
You develop ongoing dry eyes or dry mouth
You notice new joint, sinus, breathing, or skin symptoms
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dacryoadenitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.