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
Sudden loss of vision is an emergency.
Call emergency services for sudden facial drooping accompanied by arm weakness, speech difficulty, confusion, severe dizziness, or another possible sign of stroke.
A chemical splash or serious eye injury requires immediate flushing with clean, lukewarm water and emergency assessment.
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:
Increasing eye pain
Strong sensitivity to light
New or worsening blurred vision
Marked redness with discharge
A white or cloudy area on the cornea
An eye that cannot be kept closed or protected
Facial weakness from Bell's palsy can also begin suddenly, but stroke needs to be ruled out promptly.
Do not wait for ectropion symptoms to develop.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if your eyelid is turning outward, your eye waters frequently, or irritation keeps returning.
Assessment is also appropriate if you cannot close the eye fully or notice a new eyelid lump or skin change.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ectropion. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.