{"id":406953,"date":"2023-12-01T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/?p=406953"},"modified":"2025-10-10T05:06:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T05:06:32","slug":"doctor-you-should-visit-for-eye-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/doctor-you-should-visit-for-eye-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctor You Should Visit For Eye Pain: When to Seek Help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Eye pain is a common sensation that can occur within or around the eye, causing discomfort or aching.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>This pain can vary in intensity, ranging from mild irritation to severe throbbing or stabbing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>Eye pain can stem from various factors, such as eye strain, infections, injuries, or underlying medical conditions like Glaucoma.&nbsp;<br><br>If you experience frequent eye pain, seeking medical attention for a proper diagnosis and specialized care is essential.<br><br>Therefore, knowing the type of doctor you should visit for eye pain is crucial for targeted treatment.&nbsp;<br><br>This article discusses the types of eye specialists to consult for eye concerns and when to seek medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-type-of-doctor-you-should-visit-for-eye-pain\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The type of doctor you should visit for eye pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When experiencing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/eye-pain\/\" target=\"_blank\">eye pain<\/a>, getting specialized attention from an eye care professional is critical.&nbsp;<br><br>Two types of doctors specialize in treating eye pain problems, including optometrists and ophthalmologists.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"goodr-744788308\"><!-- ===== GRX 4-Product Strip Dynamic API \u2014 GoodRxMedicine ===== -->\r\n<div class=\"grx-ss\" aria-label=\"Related products\">\r\n  <style>\r\n    .grx-ss{\r\n      --gap:12px;\r\n      --radius:12px;\r\n      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class=\"wp-image-405355\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Optometrist conducting eye examination<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Optometrists are eye care professionals trained to conduct eye examinations, diagnose vision disorders, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect certain eye conditions.&nbsp;<br><br>They can evaluate eye health, treat minor eye problems, and send patients to ophthalmologists if necessary.<br><br>You may visit an optometrist for mild to moderate eye pain, discomfort, or vision-related issues. They can address mild eye irritations, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/dry-eyes\/\" target=\"_blank\">dry eyes<\/a>, refractive errors, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/eye-infection\/\" target=\"_blank\">eye infections<\/a>.&nbsp;<br><br>However, if the eye discomfort persists, increases, or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it is best to consult an ophthalmologist.<br><br>They can provide more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5711963\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">specialized care<\/a> and address complex eye disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#075380;border-radius:7px;max-width:none\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A86B3;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px\">Order Now<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px\"> Relief is here \u2014- Explore our range of <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eye-care.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"eye care products\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">eye care products<\/a> for pain-free eyes at GoodRxMedicine. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"ophthalmologist\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ophthalmologist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ophthalmologists are eye care specialists who can diagnose and treat various eye disorders. They <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/22159-ophthalmologist#:~:text=An%20ophthalmologist%20is%20qualified%20to%20deliver%20total%20eye%20care%2C%20meaning%20vision%20services%2C%20eye%20examinations%2C%20medical%20and%20surgical%20eye%20care%2C%20and%20diagnosis%20and%20treatment%20of%20disease%20and%20visual%20complications%20that%20are%20caused%20by%20other%20conditions%2C%20like%20diabetes.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">can also perform<\/a> surgery, prescribe medicines, and manage complex eye ailments.&nbsp;<br><br>They know significantly about eye health disorders, including eye pain caused by more serious illnesses.<br><br>Seeing an ophthalmologist for eye pain is advised, especially for continuous or severe pain, vision changes, or worsening symptoms.<br><br><strong>Recommended read: <\/strong>&nbsp;Wondering why you have eye pain? Learn why it occurs \u2014- <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/eye-pain\/\" target=\"_blank\">Common Causes of Eye Pain: All You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"when-to-see-a-doctor-for-eye-pain\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to see a doctor for eye pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing when to visit a doctor for eye pain is crucial for timely care. Recognizing which eye specialist you should visit for specific symptoms is essential.<br><br>Optometrists and ophthalmologists are the two types of doctors specializing in eye care.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"when-to-visit-an-optometrist\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to visit an optometrist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Irritation-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"Irritation\" class=\"wp-image-404221\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Eye irritation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Routine eye checkups at an optometrist are essential for maintaining optimal eye health and preventing potential hazards.&nbsp;<br><br>It is also advisable to seek an eye examination if you wear glasses and encounter eye discomfort, as your prescription may need to be modified.&nbsp;<br><br>An optometrist can address eye pain and concerns related to nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.&nbsp;<br><br>In addition, you should seek an initial evaluation from an optometrist if you experience the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vision-health\/about-eye-disorders\/why-eye-exams-are-important.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/visionhealth\/resources\/features\/keep-eye-on-vision-health.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">following symptoms<\/a> associated with eye pain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eye irritation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/eye-redness-and-pain\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/eye-redness-and-pain\/\" target=\"_blank\">Redness\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vision changes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Floaters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flashes of light<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dryness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mild infections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swelling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#073d11;border-radius:10px;max-width:none\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A7044;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px\">Note:<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"> Optometrists primarily focus on vision and refractive errors. While they can diagnose and manage some eye conditions, severe or complex issues may require an ophthalmologist&#8217;s expertise. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"when-to-visit-an-ophthalmologist\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to visit an ophthalmologist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the pain in your eye is severe and accompanied by other concerning symptoms, visiting an ophthalmologist is advisable.<br><br>These symptoms include severe or persistent pain and sudden vision changes, such as blurry or distorted vision.<br><br>These symptoms <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/diseases\/what-is-glaucoma#:~:text=Here%20are%20the,halos%20around%20lights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">could indicate<\/a> severe eye conditions, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/glaucoma\/\" target=\"_blank\">Glaucoma<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/cataracts\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/cataracts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cataracts<\/a>, or retinal disorders.<br><br>Your optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist after an initial eye examination if they suspect the above risks.\u00a0<br><br>An ophthalmologist can aid in the management of chronic eye conditions.\u00a0<br><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#075380;border-radius:7px;max-width:none\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A86B3;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px\">Order Now<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px\"> Discover Bimatoprost for Glaucoma relief \u2013 Safeguard your sight with our trusted eye care solution!<br \/>\n<strong>Buy now:<\/strong> <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/bimat-ls-eye-drop.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Bimat LS Eye Drop\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Bimat LS Eye Drop<\/a> <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"takeaway\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Takeaway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing the right type of doctor you should visit for eye pain is critical for prompt and s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/treatments-for-eye-pain\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/eyecare\/treatments-for-eye-pain\/\" target=\"_blank\">uccessful treatment.<\/a>\u00a0<br><br>You can visit an optometrist for mild eye pain, irritation, infections, and refractive errors.\u00a0<br><br>However, suppose you experience severe and persistent eye pain and sudden vision changes. In that case, it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist.<br><br>It is crucial to prioritize eye health by seeking professional care to achieve the best results.<br><br>Whether you need an optometrist for initial screening or an ophthalmologist for specialized treatment, getting the right assistance is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft cms-warning-box\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#7a1312;border-radius:10px;max-width:none\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#AD4645;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px\">Warning:<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\"> Avoid self-diagnosing or self-medicating eye conditions. Professional evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"goodr-35586899\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/eye-care.html\" aria-label=\"Your Banner CTA\" class=\"post-inside-cta\">\r\n    <picture>\r\n        <source media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Eye_Mobile.webp\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Eye_Desktop-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Your Banner CTA\" width=\"100%\" height=\"184\">\r\n    <\/picture>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<div style=\"height: 30px;\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1701331707685\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What if I&#8217;m unsure which specialist to visit for my eye pain?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re unsure, consult an optometrist for initial evaluation. They can guide you based on your symptoms and severity or refer you to an ophthalmologist if necessary.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1701331709311\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can an optometrist detect serious eye diseases causing pain?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Optometrists can detect certain eye conditions during routine exams. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, can offer specialized diagnosis and treatment for complex or severe conditions.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1701331709943\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are ophthalmologists only for surgical procedures?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, ophthalmologists can also provide medical treatments beyond surgical procedures. While they can perform surgeries, they also diagnose and manage various eye conditions.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1701331710559\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should I visit an optometrist first if I have mild eye pain?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You should visit an optometrist initially for mild eye pain or routine eye care needs. Consulting an ophthalmologist is advisable if symptoms persist, worsen, or involve severe pain.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1701331711991\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can an ophthalmologist prescribe glasses or contact lenses?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, ophthalmologists can prescribe corrective lenses. However, they primarily focus on detecting and managing complex eye problems beyond refractive abnormalities.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#cbcac8;border-radius:10px;-moz-border-radius:10px;-webkit-border-radius:10px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#E5E4E2;border-color:#ffffff;color:#36454F;border-radius:10px;-moz-border-radius:10px;-webkit-border-radius:10px;\"><strong>Citations:<\/strong><br \/>\nWhen referencing outside resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoodrxMedicine<\/a> always provides full citations. To learn more about the measures we use to maintain the quality of our content, please review our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/content-information-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Content Information Policy<\/a>.<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/healthy-vision\/finding-eye-doctor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">nei.nih.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/eye-health\/eye-doctors-optometrists-ophthalmologists\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">webmd.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/8607-eye-care-specialists\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">my.clevelandclinic.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Eye pain is a common sensation that can occur within or around the eye, causing discomfort or aching.&nbsp;&nbsp; This pain can vary in intensity, ranging from mild irritation to severe throbbing or stabbing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eye pain can stem from various factors, such as eye strain, infections, injuries, or underlying medical conditions like Glaucoma.&nbsp; If you experience &#8230; Read more","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":417011,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"schema_drug_name":"","schema_drug_sameas":"","schema_strip_mentions_drug":"","custom_head_after_canonical":"","geo_latitude":"","geo_longitude":"","csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_page_reading_time":"","csco_page_toc_navigation":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_volume":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[145],"tags":[285,283,284,286],"class_list":{"0":"post-406953","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-eyecare","8":"tag-eye-treatment","9":"tag-eyecare","10":"tag-eyecare-causes","11":"tag-eyecare-medicine","12":"cs-entry","13":"cs-video-wrap"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/406953","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=406953"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/406953\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":440322,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/406953\/revisions\/440322"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/417011"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=406953"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=406953"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=406953"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}