Eye Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Have you developed vision changes in one or both eyes?

See significance of vision changes 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 immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have blurred vision and moderate eye pain?

Yes

Do you have eye pain and halos of light around objects?

Yes

Do you have a sudden shower of floaters?

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

Yes

Have you had painless vision changes that went away on their own within 30 minutes and were followed by a headache?

Yes

Do you have new blurred vision?

Yes

Do you have new flashes of light but no vision loss?

Yes

Do you have new halos of light around objects without other symptoms?

Yes

Have you noticed that one eyeball is bigger or sticks out more than the other eye, and you have a change in vision or redness in the eye?

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

Yes

Are floaters becoming bothersome or increasing in number or frequency?

Yes

Have flashes of light or vision changes that are typical of your diagnosed migraine headaches changed or become more bothersome?

Yes

Have you had a gradual vision loss over several weeks to months that is now affecting your ability to function?

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