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
Contact an emergency eye service or emergency department if urgent specialist eye care is not otherwise available.
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 urgent, same-day eye care if you develop:
Sudden new floaters or a rapid increase in floaters
Flashing lights that were not present before
A dark curtain, veil, or shadow in your vision
Sudden loss of side or central vision
New symptoms after an eye injury or recent eye operation
Do not wait for a routine appointment or for symptoms to become severe.
If your vision is affected, do not drive yourself.
After surgery, get urgent advice for severe or increasing eye pain, rapidly worsening vision, marked redness, pus-like discharge, nausea with eye pain, or a new curtain or shadow.
Mild irritation and blurred vision may be expected during recovery, but the surgical team should explain what is normal for your procedure.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is for checking healing, eye pressure, vision, and the other eye when there are no new warning symptoms.
Keep these appointments even if the eye feels comfortable.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Retinal detachment. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.