When to See an Ophthalmologist?

Most of us prefer not to go to the doctor unless we have to, and the eye doctor is no different. However, neglecting your eyes can put your vision at risk. An ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions. Seeing one before your symptoms become severe can prevent possible damage and ensure you receive specialized care. 

What is an Ophthalmologist or Eye Surgeon?

You may have seen several types of eye specialists, but an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can treat many types of eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are also the only eye specialists who can perform eye surgery. 

Ophthalmologists can play different roles depending on their area of specialization. Some serve as general eye care professionals, while others may specialize in a particular condition, such as glaucoma, or a specific type of surgery, such as repairing eye injuries. Dr. Senekal treats a range of eye concerns but specializes in laser eye surgery and vision correction. 

When to See an Ophthalmologist

You may see an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon for many reasons. We recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as you start to experience concerning symptoms. Many eye conditions have much better results if they are treated early. 

Eye Symptoms

While some people may experience some of these symptoms regularly, especially people with chronic conditions such as allergies or dry eye, you should see an ophthalmologist if they are new to you, worsen suddenly, or affect your vision. 

• Itching or burning
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Halos or glare
• Cloudiness
• Headaches

You should see an ophthalmologist or other medical professional immediately if you experience symptoms such as:

• Eye pain
• Sudden, severe headaches
• Symptoms that get worse quickly

Some eye conditions are medical emergencies that must be treated quickly to protect your vision. Do not delay in seeking care if you experience sudden or severe symptoms. Conditions like closed-angle glaucoma can progress faster than you might expect but are treatable when addressed promptly. 

Medical Conditions

Your ophthalmologist may manage medical conditions that affect your eyes, including glaucoma or macular degeneration. If you have diabetes, you will usually have an ophthalmologist who monitors your eyes for diabetes-related damage. An ophthalmologist may also diagnose other conditions and refer you to a specialist who treats them. 

Eye Injury

If you experience an eye injury, an ophthalmologist may treat it. An eye surgeon specializes in performing the delicate, technically complex procedures needed to restore function to injured eyes. Eye surgeons can perform emergency surgeries or scheduled medical procedures, depending on the setting where they work. 

If you see an ophthalmologist for routine care, you will always know who to reach out to if you experience problems. Keep your eyes in good health and see clearly with preventative eye care such as checkups. 

Take the Next Step

To learn more about when to see an ophthalmologist, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (866) 458-1545. We look forward to helping you!