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Warning-sign checks

RLF: 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

    Go to an emergency eye service if part of the vision becomes covered by a curtain-like shadow or there is sudden major vision loss.

    These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment.

    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

    Contact the neonatal or eye team promptly if a premature baby misses a scheduled retinal examination.

    Do not wait for symptoms.

    Arrange a prompt eye assessment if a baby or child has:

    • A white or unusual pupil
    • Eyes that suddenly stop moving together
    • New repetitive eye movements
    • An unexpected reduction in visual attention
    • Increasing redness, swelling, discharge, or apparent pain after treatment

    Seek urgent same-day eye care for new flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, blurred vision, or a dark shadow at the edge of vision.

    They are urgent even many years after the original condition.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    The team can arrange the safest next step based on the baby’s age and previous findings.

    Routine concerns, such as whether glasses remain suitable or how vision is developing at school, can usually be discussed at a planned optometry, ophthalmology, or developmental follow-up visit.

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