Urgent Care Chart to Help You Know the Warning Signs
Knowing the warning sign and when it's imperative to see an eye care professional right away is important for your eyes' long-term health. Never leave an emergency until it's too late.
| Chief Complaint | Appointment |
|---|---|
| BLOW to the eye or nearby area | TODAY |
| CHEMICALS IN EYE (Irrigate the eye immediately for 30 minutes with saline if available or tap water. Have someone call the office as soon as you start irrigating, or call us yourself once irrigation is completed. | IMMEDIATELY |
DECREASED VISION Sudden onset Over a period of days Over a period of weeks | IMMEDIATELY SOON |
DISCHARGE If yellow or green and the eye is red If clear or pearly, whitish | TODAY SOON |
| DOUBLE VISION Sudden onset | TODAY |
DROOPING LID Very sudden onset Has been puffy over a few days | TODAY SOON |
FLASHING LIGHTS or FLOATERS Sudden onset | IMMEDIATELY |
| FOREIGN BODY or the feeling of one | TODAY |
LOSS OF VISION Sudden onset, with or without pain Gradual, without pain | IMMEDIATELY SOON |
ODD or UNUSUAL VISION Cloudy veil | IMMEDIATELY |
CURTAIN Rising or falling in front of the vision | IMMEDIATELY |
FLASHING LIGHTS | IMMEDIATELY |
FLOATERS Sudden onset Noticing more recently | IMMEDIATELY SOON |
| HALOS around lights | TODAY |
PAIN Mild to moderate Moderate to severe | SOON TODAY |
RED EYE Sudden onset or persistent, with or without pain Been putting up with it for a while | TODAY SOON |
| SWOLLEN EYELID | SOON |
