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
Call emergency services for sudden double vision or eye misalignment accompanied by severe headache, facial drooping, weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, or other possible stroke symptoms.
Sudden symptoms after a serious injury also need emergency care.
Stable, previously assessed strabismus without new symptoms is usually managed through routine follow-up rather than emergency care.
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 prompt medical assessment for:
New or worsening double vision
A new eye turn during adulthood
An eye that no longer moves normally
New drooping of an eyelid or a change in pupil size
Strabismus after a head or eye injury
New loss, blurring, or dimming of vision
A white pupil seen directly or repeatedly in photographs
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange an eye examination if you notice that your or your child’s eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward.
A child should be assessed even if the turn is occasional or there are no reported vision problems.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Strabismus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.