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

Warning-sign checks

Orbital pseudotumor: 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 eye care or go to an emergency department if you develop:

    • Sudden or rapidly worsening loss of vision
    • New dimming of colours or a dark area in your sight
    • Rapidly increasing eye swelling or bulging
    • Severe eye pain with reduced eye movement
    • Eye swelling with fever, vomiting, marked illness, or confusion
    • Inability to close the eye, especially if the surface becomes painful or cloudy

    These symptoms can mean the optic nerve or cornea is at risk, or that an infection may be present.

    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 prompt medical assessment for new eye pain, swelling, redness, bulging, or double vision, even if sight seems normal.

    These symptoms need examination because several orbital conditions look alike.

    If you have previously had orbital pseudotumor, contact your eye-care team promptly if familiar symptoms return.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up remains important when symptoms are stable, particularly during corticosteroid reduction or immune-modifying treatment.

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