Is it better to see an Opthamologist or Optometrist for eye irritation?

It depends on the severity and cause of your eye irritation.

Optometrist:

- First-line providers of eye care.

- Can perform a comprehensive eye exam, including testing your vision, checking for eye diseases, and evaluating the overall health of your eyes.

- Manage and treat common eye conditions such as dry eye, allergies, and minor infections.

- Prescribe corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) if needed

Ophthalmologist:

- Medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders.

- Have additional training in medical and surgical eye care, including complex eye surgeries such as cataract removal, glaucoma treatment, and retinal detachment repair.

- Treat a wider range of eye conditions, including serious and complex eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

-May collaborate with optometrists to manage and treat patients' eye conditions.

If you have mild eye irritation that is recent (within a few days) and does not significantly impact your vision, you can start by seeing an optometrist. However, if your eye irritation is severe, persistent, accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, vision changes, or discharge, or if you have a history of eye problems, it's best to see an ophthalmologist directly for a more specialized evaluation and treatment.