Eye Problems, Noninjury

When To See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Are one or both of your eyes not moving normally (ocular misalignment)?


See significance of eyes that do not move normally if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

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

Note:

If your eye movement is not normal after an injury, see the topic Eye Injuries.

Red square with white cross logo

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

Yes

Do you suddenly have double vision (diplopia)?

Yes

Do you have double vision that came on gradually with any one of the following symptoms?

  • Pain
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness that keeps you from standing or walking
  • Change in your mental state

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

Yes

Have you had a slow, steady increase in double vision (diplopia), but you do not have other symptoms?

Yes

Do you have double vision that comes and goes but seems to be getting worse?


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

Yes

Does your baby age 3 months or younger have eyes that do not move together or that appear to "cross" several times a day?

Yes

Does your child older than 3 months have eyes that do not move together or that appear to "cross," but does not have other symptoms?


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.



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

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