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
Go to an emergency eye service or emergency department if:
Your vision suddenly or rapidly worsens
Pain or redness is quickly becoming more severe
You cannot open the eye
The eye has been exposed to a chemical
A sharp object has struck or entered the eye
You have severe symptoms and cannot reach an urgent eye clinic
For a chemical exposure, begin rinsing the eye immediately with plenty of clean, lukewarm water and continue while arranging emergency help.
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 same-day urgent eye care if you have eye pain, redness, light sensitivity or blurred vision that could be caused by a corneal ulcer.
This is particularly important if you wear contact lenses, have injured your eye or can see a white spot on the cornea.
Once treatment has started, contact the treating eye service promptly if symptoms worsen, drops cannot be used as directed or new discharge, swelling or vision loss develops.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine scheduled visits remain important when symptoms are stable or improving.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Corneal ulcers and infections. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.