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 if the drooping occurs with possible stroke symptoms, such as:
Weakness or numbness on one side
A new facial droop affecting the mouth
Trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden loss of balance or coordination
A sudden, severe, unusual headache
Loss of consciousness or severe confusion
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 urgent same-day medical assessment for eyelid drooping that begins suddenly, even if it is not painful.
This is especially important if you also have double vision, unequal pupils, new eye-movement difficulty, eye pain, headache, or neck pain.
Children with a drooping eyelid should be assessed promptly, particularly if the lid covers the pupil or the child tilts their head to see.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if the drooping is new but gradual, keeps returning, is getting worse, or interferes with reading, driving, or other activities.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Eyelid drooping. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.