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
If urgent eye care is unavailable and vision has suddenly been lost, use the local emergency service.
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
Contact the clinic sooner for a gradual change in reading ability, side vision, school performance, eye alignment, or the usefulness of current glasses and visual aids.
Seek urgent same-day eye care for:
A sudden increase in floaters
Flashes of light that are new or increasing
A dark curtain, shadow, or missing area of vision
Sudden blurred, hazy, or reduced vision
Sudden eye pain or redness, especially with nausea
These symptoms can indicate retinal bleeding, retinal detachment, or raised pressure inside the eye.
They do not always mean a serious complication is present, but they should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up with the eye specialist at the recommended intervals, even if vision seems unchanged.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Juvenile retinoschisis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.