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.
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health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
symptoms.
Have you had eye problems after an ultraviolet (UV) light exposure? Note: You may not have any symptoms for 6 to 8 hours after exposure to ultraviolet light.
Have you had a chemical splashed into your eye?Note: When a chemical burn occurs, find out what chemical (acid or alkaline) caused the burn. When you call your doctor or a Poison Control Center or the National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) have the chemical container with you so you can read the label to the Poison Control person.
Do you have any vision changes after flushing your eye with water for 30 minutes? Vision changes may include:Decreased vision.Double vision.Blurred vision.Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Have you had mild pain for 12 hours or longer that is not getting better with home treatment?Note: If pain is not 100% better after 24 hours of home treatment, an evaluation by a doctor is needed.
Do you have mild pain that is not getting better after using home treatment for 12 hours or longer?Note: If pain is not 100% better after 24 hours of home treatment, an evaluation by a doctor is needed.
Do you have a small to moderate amount of discharge after 24 hours of home treatment?
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.
Call your health professional immediately.
You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you may need immediate care. Call your health professional now to discuss your symptoms and arrange for your care.
Symptoms are likely to worsen without medical care.
If you do not have a health professional, seek emergency care.
Emergency transportation is not needed. However, if you are not able to travel safely either by driving yourself or having someone else drive you, call an ambulance.
You do not need to answer any of the other questions.
You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you need to call your health professional to discuss your symptoms and arrange for care.
An appointment today is usually needed.
Symptoms are unlikely to improve without medical care.
Return to the Check Your Symptoms section and answer the questions. You may need to see a health professional sooner if you have other more serious symptoms.
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours.
You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you may wait to see if your symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or the specified time period). If symptoms improve, no appointment is needed.
If symptoms do not improve after 24 hours (or the specified time period), an appointment within the next 24 hours is usually needed.
If appropriate, try home treatment to relieve your symptoms.
Check your symptoms in 24 hours, or sooner if there is any change.
Call your health professional if symptoms get worse.
Return to the Check Your Symptoms section and answer the questions. You may need to see a health professional sooner if you have other more serious symptoms.
Review
health risks that may increase the seriousness of your
symptoms.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
December 06, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
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