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Warning-sign checks

Eyelid bump: 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 now if the bump or swelling comes with:

    • New loss or change of vision
    • Pain or difficulty when moving the eye
    • An eye that appears pushed forward
    • Severe eye pain, especially with headache, nausea, or vomiting

    These symptoms may point to a problem affecting the eye socket or the eye itself rather than only the eyelid.

    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

    Arrange same-day medical care if redness or swelling is spreading around the eye, you have a fever, you feel significantly unwell, or swelling prevents you from opening the eye.

    Infection around the eyelid sometimes needs prompt treatment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if the bump lasts several weeks, keeps growing, returns in the same place, or interferes with vision.

    It should also be checked if it bleeds, forms a persistent sore, causes eyelashes to fall out, or changes the eyelid’s shape.

The article also says

Earlier assessment may be appropriate if you have a weakened immune system or have recently had eye surgery or an eye injury.

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