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Warning-sign checks

Red 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

    Seek emergency care now if:

    • A chemical has splashed into your eye
    • An object has pierced the eye or is firmly embedded
    • You suddenly lose vision
    • Redness comes with severe eye pain, headache, vomiting, or rainbow-coloured halos

    After a chemical splash, immediately rinse the eye continuously with plenty of clean, lukewarm water while arranging emergency help.

    Do not try to remove an embedded object or press on an injured eye.

    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 a same-day assessment for a red eye with pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred or reduced vision.

    You should also seek same-day care after an eye injury, if something may be trapped in the eye, or if one pupil looks different from the other.

    If you wear contact lenses, remove them and seek same-day advice for a red, painful, light-sensitive, or unusually watery eye.

    Contact lens wear can increase the risk of corneal infection.

    A newborn with a red or discharging eye also needs prompt medical assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For mild symptoms without these warning signs, book a routine appointment if the redness lasts longer than about a week, keeps returning, is getting worse, or produces ongoing discharge.

    Persistent dryness or eyelid irritation can also be discussed at a routine visit.

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