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Warning-sign checks

Retinal artery occlusion: 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 now for sudden, painless loss or dimming of vision in one eye.

    Emergency help is also needed if vision changes occur with facial weakness, arm or leg weakness, difficulty speaking, severe imbalance, confusion, or a sudden severe headache.

    These can be signs of a stroke.

    After emergency assessment, contact your eye team promptly about new pain, redness, further loss of vision, or changes in the other 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

    Do not wait to see whether it clears, and do not drive yourself.

    Note the exact time you were last able to see normally because it can affect treatment decisions.

    Seek immediate same-day assessment for sudden vision loss with a new headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain while chewing, fever, or shoulder and hip aching, especially if you are older than 50.

    These symptoms can suggest giant cell arteritis.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Stable vision problems, rehabilitation needs, and risk-factor reviews can usually be discussed during planned follow-up.

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