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
Seek emergency care for sudden major vision loss, a serious eye injury, or chemical exposure.
After a chemical splash, rinse the eye immediately with plenty of clean water while arranging emergency help.
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
Arrange urgent, same-day eye assessment for:
New eye pain with redness
New blurred or reduced vision
Strong sensitivity to light
A cloudy area on the cornea
Eye symptoms during facial shingles
A painful red eye while wearing contact lenses
These symptoms have several possible causes, including infections that require rapid treatment.
They cannot be safely distinguished at home.
During treatment, contact the eye clinic promptly if symptoms worsen, vision declines, or new discharge develops.
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Stable mild blur from an old scar, without pain, redness, light sensitivity, or sudden change, is usually suitable for routine follow-up.
Keep planned appointments for eye-pressure checks and monitoring even if there are no new symptoms.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Interstitial keratitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.