If you think your sight is at immediate risk or you feel seriously unwell: call 999 or go to A&E now. This page does not replace emergency care.
When to get emergency help (do not wait). Some eye symptoms can indicate a sight-threatening condition. If any apply, seek emergency care immediately. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and use NHS 111 (or 999 in an emergency).
Call 999 or go to A&E now if you have: sudden loss of vision (in one or both eyes); an eye injury, penetrating trauma or suspected rupture; a chemical burn or splash (rinse immediately and attend); severe eye pain with nausea or vomiting; or new neurological symptoms (face droop, weakness, confusion).
Seek same-day urgent assessment for: flashes and/or new floaters, especially with a “curtain” shadow (possible retinal detachment); a red eye with light sensitivity and reduced vision; contact-lens wear with pain, redness or discharge; sudden double vision; or post-operative worsening pain, redness, discharge or vision drop.
For sudden vision loss, eye injury, a chemical splash or severe eye pain with nausea, call 999 or go to A&E now. For new flashes and floaters, a painful red eye or worsening symptoms after recent eye surgery, get same-day assessment — in many UK areas the route is NHS 111, then your local urgent eye service.
When to seek emergency help (do not wait)
Some eye symptoms can indicate a sight-threatening condition where minutes and hours matter. The lists below are a triage guide, not a diagnosis — only an in-person assessment can confirm the cause. If you have severe pain, sudden vision change, or recent eye surgery, do not delay.
Call 999 / go to A&E now
- Sudden loss of vision (in one or both eyes)
- Eye injury, penetrating trauma or suspected rupture
- Chemical burn or splash (rinse immediately with clean water and attend)
- Severe eye pain with nausea or vomiting
- New neurological symptoms (face droop, weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
Same-day urgent assessment
- Flashes and/or new floaters, especially with a “curtain” or shadow across part of your vision
- Red eye with light sensitivity and reduced vision
- Contact-lens wear with pain, redness or discharge
- Sudden double vision
- Post-operative worsening pain, redness, discharge or a drop in vision after any eye surgery
Urgent advice within 24–48 hours
- Foreign-body sensation that persists after rinsing
- New eyelid swelling or a painful lump
- Moderate discharge or crusting affecting daily life
- Worsening dry eye affecting vision and comfort
- Gradual blur that is noticeably worsening
This guidance is general. Only an in-person assessment can confirm the cause. New flashes, floaters or a shadow can signal a retinal detachment — a true emergency in which prompt treatment protects sight. Read more about eye floaters and when floaters are a warning sign.
NHS urgent routes in the UK (quick guide)
In the UK, urgent eye care can be accessed in several ways depending on where you live and how severe your symptoms are. The table below helps you choose the safest next step.
| If you have… | Best next step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Severe injury, chemical burn, sudden vision loss or severe pain | 999 or A&E | Time-critical emergencies need immediate care |
| Flashes/floaters, a red painful eye with light sensitivity, or contact-lens pain | NHS 111 (then urgent eye service / eye casualty) | Urgent assessment reduces the risk of complications |
| Post-op concerns (any provider): worsening pain, redness or vision | Your surgical provider urgently, or NHS 111 | Early review is vital after surgery |
| Less severe symptoms that are not improving (1–2 days) | GP, local optometrist, or a private appointment | Many conditions can be assessed in primary eye care |
Important: service availability varies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you do not have a local “eye casualty” department, NHS 111 can direct you to the correct urgent eye service for your area.
What Eye Surgery Clinic can help with
Eye Surgery Clinic passes enquiries to consultant-led partner eye clinics in South England, which provide consultations and procedures including cataract surgery, oculoplastics (eyelid surgery), glaucoma care and macular degeneration treatment. Urgent symptoms need NHS emergency care first; once it is safe to wait, a partner eye clinic can offer a private assessment and onward treatment.
- Cataract concerns — rapidly worsening glare or haze, new difficulty driving at night, second opinions and surgery planning, and post-cataract queries where appropriate.
- Oculoplastics (eyelids) — drooping eyelids affecting vision (ptosis), in-turned or out-turned lids, watery eyes due to lid position, and benign eyelid lumps.
- General ophthalmic advice — red-eye guidance and safe next steps, persistent irritation or dry-eye assessment, vision changes needing prompt review, and referral for urgent hospital assessment when needed.
Need urgent eye advice today? Contact NHS 111: it can direct you to the right urgent eye service for your area. If symptoms are severe or worsening, do not wait: call 999 or go to A&E.
Request a private appointmentWhich route to use
Eye Surgery Clinic does not assess symptoms or give medical advice. These steps follow the NHS urgent routes above.
1. Emergency
Severe injury, a chemical burn, sudden vision loss or severe pain: call 999 or go to A&E now.
2. Urgent
Flashes or new floaters, a red painful eye with light sensitivity, or contact-lens pain: contact NHS 111, which can direct you to your local urgent eye service or eye casualty.
3. After eye surgery
Worsening pain, redness or vision after an operation: contact the provider that operated on you urgently, or NHS 111.
4. Less severe symptoms
Symptoms that are not improving after a day or two: your GP, a local optometrist, or a private appointment. For a private appointment, send a request: we pass it to a partner eye clinic that covers your area and treatment, and the clinic contacts you directly.
What to do while you wait
- Stop wearing contact lenses unless advised otherwise.
- Avoid driving if your vision is reduced.
- Do not patch the eye after a chemical injury — rinse with clean water and attend urgently.
- Bring a list of your current medication and eye drops.
- Note when symptoms started, which eye is affected, and whether they are getting worse.
Common mistakes that cause delays: waiting “to see if it settles” after a sudden vision change; using leftover antibiotic drops without assessment; ignoring flashes or floaters with a shadow or curtain; and continuing contact-lens wear despite pain or redness.
Frequently asked questions
Editorial information only — not a substitute for individual medical advice. For emergencies, always use NHS 999, A&E or NHS 111.