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Warning-sign checks

Hyphema: 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

    Go to an emergency department immediately if:

    • An object has penetrated or remains stuck in the eye
    • The eye looks misshapen, cut, or open
    • Vision is suddenly lost or rapidly worsening
    • Severe eye pain occurs with headache, nausea, or vomiting
    • Blood appears to fill most or all of the front of the eye
    • The injury also caused loss of consciousness or other serious head symptoms
    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

    Seek urgent same-day eye care if you notice blood inside the eye, especially after an injury.

    Sudden blurred vision, eye pain, or light sensitivity after a blow to the eye also needs urgent assessment, even if no blood is visible.

    During treatment, contact the eye clinic promptly if pain or vision worsens, fresh bleeding appears, or prescribed drops cause concerning symptoms.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Keep routine follow-up appointments even when the eye looks clearer.

The article also says

Do not remove an embedded object, press on the eye, or apply a tight patch.

If possible, place a rigid shield loosely over the eye while getting help.

Avoid food and drink until assessed if a serious injury may require a procedure.

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