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
Get emergency help for sudden loss of vision, a chemical splash, a penetrating eye injury or a major blow to the eye.
After a chemical splash, begin rinsing the eye immediately with clean lukewarm water while arranging emergency care.
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 severe pain, marked redness, strong sensitivity to light, rapidly worsening symptoms, or a painful red eye while wearing contact lenses.
These may indicate infection, corneal injury or inflammation rather than uncomplicated dry eye.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment with an optometrist, ophthalmologist or primary care clinician if:
Dryness or irritation continues despite self-care
Symptoms regularly interfere with reading, work or sleep
Your vision repeatedly blurs
You cannot comfortably wear contact lenses
You have persistent eyelid crusting or swelling
You also have a very dry mouth, joint symptoms or unexplained fatigue
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dry eye syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.