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Warning-sign checks

Diabetic retinopathy: 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 help: Go to an emergency department or contact emergency services if sudden vision loss occurs with facial weakness, arm weakness, difficulty speaking, severe imbalance, or another possible stroke symptom.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Urgent, same-day eye assessment: Seek urgent help for a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, a new dark patch, or a rapid drop in vision.

    These symptoms can occur with bleeding or a retinal tear or detachment.

    After an eye injection or operation, urgently report increasing eye pain, marked redness, worsening vision, or strong sensitivity to light.

    These can be signs of infection or another complication needing prompt treatment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up: Attend diabetic eye screening and planned retina appointments even if your vision is clear.

    Arrange a non-emergency review for gradual blurring, increasing difficulty reading, or other persistent changes.

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