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
Sudden major vision loss or a serious eye injury requires emergency care.
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
Seek urgent, same-day medical care for severe eye pain, marked sensitivity to light, a new white or cloudy spot on the cornea, or a rapid change in vision.
These signs may indicate corneal injury or infection.
Do not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine eye assessment if you or your child has persistent redness, discharge, swollen eyelids, or repeated eye irritation, especially after living in or travelling to an area where trachoma occurs.
You should also arrange an assessment if:
Eyelashes appear to touch the eye
An eyelid is turning inward
Blinking causes scratching or pain
Vision is slowly becoming blurred
Someone in your household has been diagnosed with trachoma
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Trachoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.