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
After retinal surgery, follow the emergency instructions given by your surgical team.
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 same-day urgent eye assessment if you develop:
A sudden shower or marked increase in floaters
New or repeated flashes of light
A dark curtain, shadow, or missing area in your vision
Sudden or rapidly worsening vision
These can be symptoms of a new or extending retinal detachment.
Do not wait for a routine eye appointment, even if there is no pain.
Seek urgent help for severe or increasing eye pain, sudden worsening of vision, increasing redness, marked swelling, or discharge.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when your vision is stable and you have no new symptoms.
Keep scheduled appointments so the retina, cyst, and pressure inside the eye can be monitored.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Giant cyst of the retina. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.