sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Vision problems: 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 for sudden major or complete vision loss, especially if it occurs with facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, trouble speaking, severe dizziness, or a sudden severe headache.

    These can be signs of a stroke or another emergency.

    Emergency assessment is also appropriate after a serious eye injury.

    If a chemical enters the eye, begin rinsing it with plenty of clean, lukewarm water immediately and seek emergency advice.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    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 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 urgent, same-day assessment for:

    • A dark curtain or shadow moving across your sight
    • New flashes with many new floaters
    • A painful red eye with blurred vision, halos, nausea, or vomiting
    • Sudden double vision
    • Sudden loss of part of the visual field
    • Pain, redness, and blurred vision while wearing contact lenses
    • A sudden change after eye surgery or an eye procedure
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine eye examination if blurred vision persists, keeps returning, or affects reading, work, driving, or other activities.

    Gradual changes, frequent headaches with visual tasks, worsening night vision, or an outdated glasses prescription also deserve assessment.

    People with diabetes or an existing eye condition should follow their planned eye-review schedule and report new changes rather than waiting for the next routine visit.

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