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Warning-sign checks

Eye retraction syndrome: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care if new eye movement problems occur with severe headache, weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, major head or eye injury, or sudden vision loss.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Children should be assessed promptly because untreated amblyopia can affect long-term vision.

    Seek urgent medical care for a sudden new restriction of eye movement, especially with double vision, eye pain, a drooping eyelid, or a pupil change.

    A congenital condition does not usually begin suddenly, so another cause must be excluded.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine eye assessment for limited eye movement, a repeated head turn, eye retraction, eyelid narrowing with movement, or eyes that do not point in the same direction.

    Make a follow-up appointment if a known condition causes increasing neck discomfort, trouble at school or work, troublesome double vision, or changing alignment.

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