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Warning-sign checks

Noninfectious uveitis: 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 care for:

    • Sudden or major loss of vision
    • A dark curtain or shadow moving across your vision
    • A sudden shower of floaters, especially with flashes of light
    • Severe eye pain with headache, vomiting, or coloured rings around lights
    • Eye symptoms after a significant injury or chemical exposure

    These features can occur with retinal detachment, sudden dangerous eye-pressure changes, or serious injury.

    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 urgent eye assessment if you develop a painful red eye, strong light sensitivity, new floaters, or new blurred vision.

    This is especially important if you have previously had uveitis.

    These symptoms may indicate a flare, but they can also have other causes.

    They should not wait for a routine appointment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is still important when you feel well.

    Attend planned checks for eye pressure, inflammation, retinal swelling, and treatment side effects.

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