Eye pain is a common issue that can be a symptom of serious underlying eye conditions.
Therefore, it is necessary to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of your eye pain.
There are a variety of eye care professionals, from optometrists to ophthalmologists.
Hence, many people might get confused regarding the doctor you should visit for eye pain. Knowing which doctor to consult for your eye condition is essential for proper treatment.
In this article, we will discuss and clear all your doubts related to eye doctors for your eye pain.
Doctor You Should Visit For Eye Pain
If you have mild eye pain or need a routine eye checkup, start by seeing an optometrist.
Optometrists are primary eye care specialists that examine and diagnose various eye infections and disorders.
However, if your eye pain or eye injuries are persistent, you may need to consult an ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologists are doctors who are specialists in eye care and treatment, including surgery.
In some cases, your optometrist may recommend visiting an ophthalmologist after diagnosing your condition.
Your ophthalmologist may prescribe medications to relieve your eye pain following the necessary eye tests.
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When Should You Visit a Doctor For Eye Pain

Ideally, it would be best to visit a doctor as soon as you observe eye discomfort.
Many eye conditions, such as Closed-Angle Glaucoma have unobservable or mild symptoms initially.
Therefore, it is advised to avoid neglecting any eye-related symptoms and seek an accurate diagnosis from a trusted doctor.
You should visit a doctor immediately if you observe:
- Extreme eye pain
- Blurry vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Discharge from one or both eyes
- Itchiness
- Headaches
- Irritation or burning sensation
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
It is important to note that these symptoms, along with eye pain, may indicate severe eye conditions such as pink eye, Glaucoma, or dry eyes.
Therefore, it is best to visit an eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis of your condition.
To learn more about causes of eye pain, read What Causes Pain Behind The Eye? Eye Pain Causes and Symptoms.
Effective Treatment Plans Prescribed By Doctors

After assessing your eyes, symptoms, and test results, your doctor will treat your eye pain with the help of prescription-based medications.
Generally, eye drops or pills are the first method of treatment for eye pain.
The active salt of these eye drops or pills will depend on the underlying eye condition that causes symptoms such as eye pain.
For instance, Bimatoprost eye drops are usually prescribed if the eye pain is a symptom of Glaucoma.
Whereas anti-inflammatory medicines such as Cyclosporine may be recommended for eye pain due to dry eyes.
The treatment for the discomfort from pink eye varies depending on what caused the pink eye infection.
Besides medications, warm compresses and artificial tears are some common home remedies for eye pain, which may help provide relief.
However, if your condition worsens, your doctor may recommend surgery or laser therapies for effective treatment.
Conclusion
Eye pain is one of the many symptoms of serious underlying eye conditions.
Therefore, it may often require medical assistance from a certified doctor.
But which doctor should you visit for eye pain?
Initially, consider visiting an optometrist for mild eye pain.
They will provide diagnosis and treatment for general eye problems that may be causing eye pain.
However, you may need to visit a licensed ophthalmologist if you have a serious underlying eye condition.
They are certified eye specialists for treating severe eye conditions and injuries.
It is advised to visit a doctor as soon as symptoms like eye pain begin, as mild symptoms may also indicate a serious underlying condition.
However, seek immediate medical attention if the eye pain is accompanied by eye discharge, nausea, or irritation.
These symptoms often indicate serious medical conditions that require urgent treatment.
After assessing your condition, your doctor will prescribe appropriate medications for your eye pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I suddenly experience severe eye pain?
If you are experiencing severe eye pain suddenly, visit a certified eye doctor immediately.
Sudden, extreme eye pain can be a symptom of serious eye conditions such as Angle-Closure Glaucoma. It is best to consult an eye doctor for such symptoms.
Is it necessary to visit an eye doctor for eye pain?
Yes, it is best to visit an eye doctor for your eye pain, even if it is mild. Certain serious eye conditions may cause mild eye pain in their initial stage.
Therefore, you may have a serious eye problem without experiencing severe eye discomfort.
How often should I get a routine eye checkup to prevent eye pain?
The frequency of the eye checkups depends on your age, medical history, and overall eye health. Consult a licensed eye doctor to know how frequently eye checkups are needed for your eye condition.
What are some common diagnostic tests for eye pain?
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may ask you to go through various tests to diagnose your eye pain, such as tonometry, visual field, and image scanning tests. These tests help eye care specialists accurately diagnose the underlying condition and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Which doctor should I see if my eyes hurt?
If you experience mild pain in your eyes, it is recommended to visit an optometrist to treat your eye condition. However, if your eye pain is extreme, or you observe other symptoms such as headaches or blurry vision, consult an ophthalmologist for proper treatment of your eye condition.
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