sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Eyelid problems: 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

    Seek emergency help now if:

    • You suddenly lose vision or develop major new vision changes
    • Eyelid drooping starts with facial weakness, speech trouble, or limb weakness
    • The eye is bulging, difficult to move, or very painful to move
    • A chemical enters your eye; rinse continuously with clean water while arranging help
    • There has been a serious eye injury or something has pierced the eye
    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

    Arrange same-day care for eyelid swelling with fever, worsening pain, reduced vision, double vision, severe headache, or rapidly spreading redness.

    A painful blistering rash on the forehead, eyelid, or nose also needs prompt assessment because shingles can affect the eye.

    Contact-lens wearers should seek prompt care for a red, painful eye, especially with light sensitivity or blurred vision.

    Remove the lenses and do not reinsert them while awaiting assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if symptoms persist, keep returning, or interfere with reading, driving, or closing the eye.

    A growing, bleeding, ulcerated, or recurring lump should also be checked.

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