Red or Painful Eye? Eye Care in Alpharetta

Why see an eye doctor first?

For a red eye, an optometrist is usually the better first stop. We look at your eye under a microscope called a slit lamp. It shows details a regular doctor's office can't see, so we can find the cause and pick the right treatment.

Many people start with urgent care or a primary doctor. That can help when you also feel sick. For the eye itself, a slit lamp exam is often the missing piece. We check the lids, the clear front surface, the white of the eye and how the pupil reacts. Then we decide what to treat in the office and when you need a referral.

Get seen the same day if

• The eye is painful, red or sensitive to light
• You see new floaters, flashes or a shadow
• Your vision keeps getting worse
• You have sudden vision loss
• You have severe pain

These signs need prompt attention. Book the soonest open slot. If you cannot be seen quickly enough and symptoms are severe, seek emergency care. This page lists warning signs. It does not replace an exam or promise a cure.

Wear contacts?

Take the lenses out. Get seen promptly for real pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or a white spot on the eye. Contact lens wearers can get eye infections that need quick care.

Do not sleep in the lenses while the eye is red. Do not rinse lenses in tap water. Bring the lens case and the box or brand name if you have them. That helps us understand what you were wearing.

Common causes of a red eye

Dry eye flares, eyelid swelling or a stye, a reaction to a new skin or eye product, a small scratch, allergies and pink eye.

Redness alone does not tell you the cause. Allergies often itch. Dry eye often burns or feels sandy. A scratch often hurts with light and blinking. Pink eye can spread in households and schools. Only an exam sorts these out. For more on allergies and pink eye, see our red eye, pink eye and allergies guide.

What to expect at your visit

• We ask when it started and what makes it worse
• We check your vision
• We examine the eye with the slit lamp
• We explain what we see in plain language
• We start treatment or refer you if you need a surgeon or specialist

We provide exams and referrals. We do not perform eye surgery in our office.

Related care at Reimbold Eye Group

• Dry eye care for burning, gritty or chronically red eyes
• Eye exams in Alpharetta for a full yearly check
• Contact lens exams if lenses are part of the problem
• Insurance for vision vs medical plan questions

Frequently asked questions

Should I see an eye doctor or my primary doctor for a red eye?

For most red eyes, an optometrist is the better first stop. We examine the eye under a slit lamp microscope, which shows details a regular office visit often cannot.

When should I get seen the same day?

Get seen the same day if the eye is painful, red or sensitive to light; if you see new floaters, flashes or a shadow; or if your vision keeps getting worse. Contact lens wearers with a red, painful eye should remove the lenses and seek care promptly.

Can I keep wearing contacts with a red eye?

No. Take the lenses out. Leave them out until an eye doctor says it is safe. Pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or a white spot on the eye need prompt care.

What causes a red eye?

Common causes include dry eye flares, eyelid swelling or a stye, a reaction to a new skin or eye product, a small scratch, allergies and pink eye. An exam finds the cause. This page does not diagnose your eye.

Do you treat dry eye that makes my eyes red?

Yes. Dry eye flares are a common reason eyes look red or feel gritty. See our dry eye care page, or book a visit if symptoms are new or getting worse.