Eye Problems, Noninjury

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Sudden partial or complete loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes.

  Note: Treatment is needed within 90 minutes to save vision.

  Other symptoms may or may not be present, such as:
  • Sudden flashes of light.
  • New floaters.
• Vision changes occur with sudden, severe eye pain, blurred vision, headache, or severe nausea and vomiting. These vision changes may be a sign of acute angle glaucoma.
• A curtain or veil that covers the field of vision, blurred vision, black spots, or flashes or sparkles of light that occur in one eye may be signs of retinal detachment.
• Vision changes occur with signs of a stroke.
• A change in the size or shape of a pupil occurs along with eye pain or vision changes.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Possible eye infection: Go to the topic Pinkeye.
• An injury to the eye: Go to the topic Eye Injuries.
• A chemical, heat, or ultraviolet light burn: Go to the topic Burns to the Eye.
• An object in the eye: Go to the topic Objects in the Eye.
• A head injury: Go to the topic Head Injury, Age 4 and Older or Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger.
• Swelling of the eyelids not caused by an injury: Go to the topic Facial Problems, Noninjury.

Yes	Have you developed vision changes in one or both eyes?
Yes	Do you have pain in one or both eyes?
Yes	Do you have a new and painful sensitivity to light (photophobia)?
Yes	Do you have blood or yellow color in one or both eyes?
Yes	Are one or both of your eyes not moving normally (ocular misalignment)?
Yes	Do you have drainage from one or both eyes?
Yes	Do you have a sore, ulcer, or grayish white spot on one or both eyes?
Yes	Do you have a change in the size or shape of your pupil?
Yes	Do you have an eyelid problem?
Yes	Do you have new excessive tearing in one or both eyes?
Yes	Are you having problems with your contact lenses?
Yes	Do you think that a medicine is causing your vision changes?
Yes	Have you had gradual changes in your eye problems or your vision?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 6, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
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