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
Sudden major vision loss, a penetrating eye injury, or chemical exposure is an emergency.
After chemical exposure, immediately rinse the eye with plenty of clean, lukewarm water and seek emergency help.
Do not delay rinsing while arranging 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
Arrange follow-up sooner if self-care is not helping or you have persistent dry mouth, joint symptoms, eyelid swelling, or discharge.
Seek same-day medical care for:
Significant eye pain, marked redness, or strong light sensitivity
A new vision change that does not clear with blinking
A painful or red eye while wearing contact lenses
Symptoms after an eye injury or something becoming stuck
Worsening symptoms after recent eye surgery
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book an appointment with an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or doctor if symptoms last several weeks, keep returning, or interfere with daily activities or contact lens use.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dry eyes. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.