Cataract removal: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   If you cannot reach the surgery team, use an urgent eye service or emergency department.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your eye surgery team promptly if pain, redness, swelling or blurred vision is worsening rather than improving.

   Also call about persistent discharge, new double vision, troublesome nausea or concerns about your eye drops.

   Seek urgent assessment the same day for:

   • Sudden loss or marked worsening of vision
   • Severe eye pain
   • Rapidly increasing redness
   • New flashes, many new floaters or a curtain-like shadow
   • An eye injury after surgery
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine questions about drops, glasses, work or scheduled follow-up can usually wait for clinic hours.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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