A Primary Care Physician (PCP) can often treat eye infections, but this capability is limited to less severe conditions. A PCP, sometimes called a general practitioner, can diagnose and manage many common, surface-level infections. Treatment depends entirely on the infection’s severity and location. If the issue is complex or involves deeper ocular structures, a specialist referral is necessary.
Common Eye Issues Treated by a Primary Care Physician
PCPs handle uncomplicated infections affecting the outer layers of the eye. The most frequent condition they treat is conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which is inflammation of the membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelids. PCPs can prescribe topical antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis or provide supportive care for the highly contagious viral form.
They also manage mild styes (hordeolum), which are tender bumps on the eyelid caused by bacterial infection of an oil gland. Less severe cases of blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, are also addressed. For these surface-level issues, a PCP can initiate a treatment plan, such as prescribing an antibiotic ointment or recommending warm compresses.
Primary care covers non-vision-threatening conditions that do not involve the internal parts of the eye. These simple infections respond well to topical medications. If the condition does not improve quickly, or if symptoms suggest a deeper problem, the PCP will refer the patient to a specialist for more advanced evaluation and care.
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Specialist Care
Symptoms indicating a deeper or more serious eye problem require an immediate visit to an eye specialist, such as an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist.
Signs of Serious Ocular Issues
Progressive or sudden vision loss suggests a possible impact on the cornea, retina, or optic nerve.
Severe eye pain, beyond simple irritation, can signal serious conditions like keratitis, uveitis, or acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Intense sensitivity to light (photophobia) or seeing halos around lights may indicate inflammation inside the eye or corneal issues.
Changes in the pupil’s shape or size, or suspicion of a foreign body lodged in the eye.
An Optometrist provides primary vision care, including eye exams, vision correction, and diagnosing common eye diseases. An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in complex eye diseases who performs medical and surgical treatments. Symptoms that rapidly worsen despite initial treatment, or those accompanied by systemic signs like a high fever, should also be treated as an emergency. Conditions like orbital cellulitis, a serious infection around the eye, can spread quickly and require aggressive management. Recognizing these specific warning signs is important for protecting long-term vision.
What to Expect During a PCP Eye Evaluation
When visiting a PCP for a suspected eye infection, the appointment begins with a thorough patient history review. The physician will ask about the onset of symptoms, recent exposure to pink eye, contact lens use, and overall health status to determine the likely cause and severity.
Examination Procedures
The physical examination includes a basic visual acuity test, typically using a Snellen chart. The PCP performs an external examination of the eye, eyelids, and surrounding tissue, checking for redness, swelling, or discharge. They may use a penlight or an ophthalmoscope to get a preliminary view of the internal structures and confirm the infection is superficial.
Management usually focuses on treating the suspected cause. For probable bacterial infections, this involves prescribing topical antibiotic eye drops or ointments. The physician provides detailed instructions on hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding touching the eyes, to prevent the infection’s spread.
If the PCP’s evaluation suggests potential corneal involvement, severe pain, or an unclear diagnosis, they will issue an immediate referral. This ensures a specialist, who has access to advanced diagnostic equipment like a slit lamp, can properly assess the issue. The primary care evaluation aims to safely manage simple cases and promptly triage complex or vision-threatening problems.