Eye Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have an eyelid problem?

See significance of an eyelid problem if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

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

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have redness, swelling, itching, and a lump on an eyelid?

Yes

Do you have any change in eyelid size or position?

Yes

Have you had constant eyelid twitching for 24 hours?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had redness, itching, and scaly skin (blepharitis) at the edges of your eyelids for 48 hours or longer?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have eyelid twitching that comes and goes and has lasted longer than a week?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	December 06, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer