Lasik Eye Correction

Eye problems - do I need to see an optometrist or a general practitioner?

One of my eyes has been very irritated and sensitive to light for the past 3 days. I wear contacts daily and first thought it could be just a simple contact irritation. But I've been wearing my glasses for a couple of days and the irritation and sensitivity to light continues. I'm thinking it could be an infection now. Would it be best to see an optometrist or a general doctor?

Public Comments

1. I think you should see an optometrist. They should also know what to tell you about your irritation.
2. your regular doc can probably help you with this. if he can't, see an opthamologist, not an optometrist.
3. yes! c a doc thats better dont get in2 anything crazy...
4. Its always best to go to someone who has specialized in the field if possible and the cost is usually the same. Go to the Optometrists
5. see the eye doc, your general doc is just going to refer you to one
6. Optometrist definitely. This happened to be quite a few times when I first started wearing contacts, they could be dirty and the pores are clogged and your eye wasn't getting as much oxygen as it needed so it became very sensitive and it causes some parts of the cornea to become inflammed, you need antibiotic eye drops, definitely get in today, it's not something to mess with!
7. I would call the optometrist and explain the situation to them. Have them make the decision as to whether they should see you or send you to a regular doctor. More than likely, you will end up going to see the eye doctor.
8. I would go to an optometrist. Reason being that they have equipment that will allow them to run more tests then your general doctor would in his or hers office. It could be that something is lodged in your eye, or that the eye has been scratched. The optometrist will have a high powered machine that will allow them to look into your eye and let you know for certain what is wrong and if something is stuck in your eye they can also remove it with ease, or prescribe you medicine to heal a scratch etc. While a general doctor should have an all around expertise they often lack all the specialized eye equipment and extensive experience with eye issues, especially with contact lens wearers. Good luck! And remember, with eye issues it is never good to wait, see your eye doctor today!
9. You need to see someone who has the equipment to check out your eye properly - irritation and sensitivity to light is common in eye problems but many of them can only be picked up with an opthalmascope. I dont think a general practitioner has much knowledge beyond common infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and have to refer to a specialist. An eye specialist would have more knowledge of how to treat more complicated problems. If I have to resort to a GP i usually end up tellng them what treatment I need!
10. You need to see a Medical Doctor, either a GP or an opthimologist. An optometrist is NOT a medical doctor and cannot perscribe medicine. Some things to try before you get to the doctor-allergy eye drops, an antihistimine, and if you wear any eye make-up quit.
11. Definitely go see your optometrist. It would be filed under your medical ins so make sure you dont need a referral. We work next to a general practitioners office and we get referrals from them all the time.
12. Neither, go to an ophthalmologist. an optometrist can't presrcibe medications. It's good that you quit wearing the contacts - if you need antibiotics, you will probably have to keep them out for a while longer. Since it's already been 3 days and it's not better, you should probably go tomorrow if you can.
13. Definitely optomologist - I had the same symptoms in my left eye after wearing contacts for years.