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 after a serious fall or head injury, or for sudden neurological symptoms such as facial weakness, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side.
These are not typical features of gradual DR syndrome and may need immediate treatment.
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
Contact your usual eye or hearing service sooner if a symptom noticeably changes, a hearing device stops helping, or daily activities become less safe.
New blurring may result from a treatable complication rather than expected retinal progression.
Seek urgent same-day assessment for:
Sudden loss or major worsening of vision
A new dark curtain or shadow across vision
New flashes with a sudden increase in floating spots
Sudden hearing loss developing over hours or a few days
A painful, red eye with reduced vision
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical review for gradually worsening hearing, increasing difficulty in dim light, narrowing side vision, or repeated balance problems.
Children should be assessed when hearing loss occurs with delayed walking, poor balance, or difficulty seeing in darkness.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on DR syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.