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Warning-sign checks

Palpebral slant - eye: 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

    Call emergency services if the eyelid or facial appearance changes suddenly along with:

    • Weakness or numbness on one side
    • Trouble speaking, walking, or staying alert
    • New double vision, vision loss, or unequal pupils
    • A sudden severe headache
    • A serious injury to the eye, head, or face

    These combinations can indicate a problem involving the brain, nerves, blood vessels, or eye socket.

    Do not drive yourself if your vision or alertness is affected.

    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 same-day medical care for a new eyelid change with significant eye pain, fever, marked redness or swelling, pain when moving the eye, or reduced vision.

    Prompt assessment is also appropriate after a less severe eye injury if the eyelid position has changed.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if the slant is gradually becoming more noticeable, is newly one-sided, or comes with eyelid drooping.

    A child should be assessed if an eyelid blocks the pupil, the eyes do not appear aligned, or there are concerns about vision or development.

    A stable appearance present since birth can usually be discussed at a routine eye or primary care visit.

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