Vernal conjunctivitis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Sudden major loss of vision needs emergency assessment.

   Chemical exposure or a significant eye injury is also an emergency, whether or not you have vernal conjunctivitis.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent, same-day eye care if you develop:

   • Eye pain rather than mild itching or burning
   • New or worsening blurred vision
   • Strong sensitivity to light
   • Difficulty opening the eye
   • A white or cloudy spot on the cornea
   • A red, painful eye while wearing contact lenses
   • Symptoms that worsen while using prescribed treatment
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if you have recurring intense itching, thick mucus or symptoms that do not settle with usual allergy care.

   Children with repeated seasonal eye symptoms should be examined rather than relying only on over-the-counter redness drops.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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