​​You may need to see an eye doctor in Western, MA, for routine screenings, vision correction, or diagnosing and treating conditions involving the eye. “Eye doctor” is a broad term that may include both ophthalmologists and optometrists. Depending on the type of services you need, you may be able to go to either. Nevertheless, because there are some situations in which it is more appropriate to go to one or the other, you should learn about the differences between them and what each one does. 

What Is an Optometrist?

Optometrists are vision health professionals licensed to provide primary vision care. To become an optometrist, a person has to earn a doctor of optometry degree from a special postgraduate program at an accredited school after college. While optometrists are referred to as doctors, they do not hold medical degrees. 

Optometrist eye exams are used for routine screening for diseases and identifying changes in vision that may require corrective lenses. Optometrists can prescribe glasses or contacts for people who need vision correction but have limited ability to diagnose eye diseases and prescribe medications to treat them. Because they are not medical doctors, they cannot perform eye surgery. 

What Is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in vision care and eye health. They attend four years of medical school and serve an internship to earn an M.D. or D.O. degree, just as general practitioners do. Then, they serve a residency specific to ophthalmology for several more years before they are ready to practice independently.

Ophthalmologists can do everything that optometrists can do. In addition, because they hold medical degrees, ophthalmologists can perform more detailed medical eye exams to diagnose serious conditions. 

Which Doctor Do I Need To See – Optometrist or Ophthalmologist?

You should see an opthalmologist for severe diseases of the eye. These include conditions that could cause complete vision loss, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, or cataracts. If surgery is a treatment option for your condition, an ophthalmologist can perform it or, if not, provide more advanced conservative treatments than you would be able to receive from an optometrist. 

Both ophthalmologists and optometrists are qualified to provide routine eye care for generally healthy people with no known serious eye complaints. Either can perform eye exams, diagnose vision changes, and prescribe corrective lenses for patients. Which professional you choose for these services is up to you. 

During a routine exam, an optometrist may see signs or symptoms of an eye disease that is beyond their scope to diagnose and treat. Your optometrist can then refer you to an ophthalmologist if you have an advanced condition or one that requires surgery. On the other hand, you may go to an ophthalmologist first for your routine eye care, who may be able to continue to provide treatment for you if it turns out that you have a serious eye condition that requires surgery or other, more in-depth treatment. However, while all ophthalmologists are qualified to perform surgery, some choose not to. Therefore, you may still require a referral. 

Schedule Your Eye Exam in Western Today

Dr. John Frangie is an award-winning ophthalmologist who has been practicing for nearly 30 years. He is one of the first to have offered laser surgery for LASIK and cataracts as an alternative to traditional surgery that uses blades. Contact us for a consultation.

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Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, is a common modern problem due to our reliance on technology to work, socialize, and live. If you’ve been suffering from symptoms of digital eye strain, it’s important to take measures to protect your eye health — starting today.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

Most people who work with computers or screens for more than an hour each day have experienced symptoms of eye strain. You may notice the following symptoms when working with a brightly-lit screen:

• Dry or watery eyes
• A gritty, burning sensation
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Headaches, neck aches, or pain in the upper back

Ways To Relieve Digital Eye Strain

You may have heard that taking frequent breaks is a good idea when working at a computer all day. Learn more below about how much rest your eyes need and how to combat symptoms of digital strain.

1. Take Breaks

You can relieve many symptoms of eye strain by simply looking at something else on a regular schedule. If you find yourself in the habit of staring into a bright screen for hours on end, it’s time to change this habit. Get up and get a drink of water, do brief stretching exercises, and take a short walk around the block when you find that your eyes are overwhelmed.

2. Don’t Forget to Blink Often

When people stare at screens, they do not blink as often as they would in other situations. If your main symptom is eye dryness, make a conscious effort to blink more often and slowly. Though it sounds counterintuitive, if you’re experiencing very watery eyes, this could also indicate that your eyes are too dry!

3. Set Up Your Workspace With Eye Comfort in Mind

Make sure to set up your computer to protect your eye health. Positioning your eyes too close to the screen will lead to the symptoms listed above. Try to adjust your workstation to reflect good ergonomic standards: Your computer should be at least an arm’s length away from your eyes, and you should be able to sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.

You should not have to lean in, squint, or strain to see the computer. Adjust your screen so that it is slightly below eye level and tilted upward. If the problem is that you’re having trouble reading the text on the screen, you may need an eye exam.

4. Live by the 20-20-20 Rules

You may have heard the 20-20-20 rule when it comes to protecting your health when you work in a sedentary position. Attempt to get up and move your body every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds while looking at something 20 feet away. Setting a timer may help you remember to do this.

5. First Sunglasses, Now Computer Glasses

Do you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays? You can also use computer glasses that protect your eyes from strain. These special computer lenses help block the blue light from the screen, which can be harsh on human eyes for a prolonged period.

Schedule Your Eye Exam in West Springfield Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms related to digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, it’s important to schedule an appointment to be evaluated by a qualified eye doctor. Get in touch with Dr. John Frangie’s office today to schedule your consultation and learn how to experience better, healthier vision every day!

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No matter if it’s summer or winter, your eyes are vulnerable to sun rays without a pair of prescriptions sunglasses:

• – Sunglasses help reduce the signs of aging.
• – All sunglasses offer protection from ultraviolet rays. 

If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you owe it to yourself to consider your options for prescription glasses that protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Prescription sunglasses from Northeast Laser are designed with your eyes in mind, ensuring you receive superior protection from UV rays while still improving your eyesight. Perhaps you aren’t entirely convinced you need custom sunglasses. Let’s dive into their advantages, things to consider, and more.

Benefits

To lower your chances of experiencing cataracts from spending a lot of time outside in Springfield, don a pair of prescription sunglasses. Reducing your eyes’ exposure to the sun cuts your chances of getting cataracts by roughly 20%. In addition, sunglasses protect your eyes from dangerous ultraviolet A and B rays, which are present in the winter and stronger during cloudy days.

Even if you don’t spend a lot of time outside, we still recommend you wear sunglasses with prescription lenses. Many of the electronic devices we use emit harmful blue light, leading to several eye issues, such as macular degeneration.

Speaking of macular degeneration, even if a Springfield eye specialist already diagnosed you with the disease, you can weaken the effects of the condition with proper eye protection. A pair of sunglasses wards off less common eye ailments, such as astigmatism, sunburned corneas, and photokeratitis, which triggers discomfort and light sensitivity. 

Things To Consider

Now that you have a better idea of why you should order a prescription pair of sunglasses, we’d like to share a few facts to keep in mind while narrowing your options. If you feel you’re fine with the magnetic or clip-on sun shields you use for your regular eyeglasses, consider how much you spend on replacements after breaking or losing the item. You and your wallet may be better off with custom sunglasses.

Are you due for a pair of new prescription lenses soon? If so, ask your eye care specialist if you qualify for a discount if you buy new glasses and prescription lenses that offer UV protection at the same time.

Those who spend a lot of time out and about in West Springfield exploring nature may enjoy the convenience of slipping on prescription sunglasses. No longer do you have to squint or miss out on sites because of blinding sun rays.

Your eye care provider can work with you to better determine if a good pair of protective UV lenses fit your current lifestyle, no matter if you’re a nature enthusiast or spend a lot of time in front of electronic screens.

Precautions

While talking with your eye care specialist, we recommend going over a few precautions. For instance, depending on your prescription’s strength, you may require thicker protective lenses. If so, ask about high-index lenses, which give you the strength you need to see better in sunlight without wearing massive lenses.

You may also want to think about getting a classic style of UV glasses. That way, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing style while improving and protecting your eyesight outside.

Contact Us

If you live in the West Springfield, MA area and would like more information on prescription sunglasses, reach out to Northeast Laser today. Call (413) 363-2732 or contact us online.

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How to Prevent Digital Strain on the Eyes

On average, Americans spend seven hours each day on screen time. Whether they use a digital device for work or pleasure, spending so much of their time on a screen often leads to digital strain on the eyes. If you want to keep your eyes healthy, it is essential to recognize eye strain symptoms and know how to relieve it.

Symptoms of Eye Strain

Staring at a computer for many hours can cause your eyes to get fatigued. In addition to sleep problems and neck and back pain later on in the day, you may also experience the following symptoms if your eyes are strained.

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Dry eyes
• Headaches

Ways To Decrease Eye Strain

When you’re trying to reduce eye strain brought on by excessive screen time, the apparent answer is cutting down on the amount of time you spend on digital devices. However, this solution isn’t always practical, primarily if you use a computer a lot for work. Implementing the following useful habits can relieve your eyes’ strain without requiring you to cut out screen time.

• Adjust your computer screen angle: Ideally, your face should be at arm’s length from any digital device you are using. You should also adjust your screen, so it is at a 15-20 degree angle, putting it at least four inches below eye level.
• Be mindful of how often you blink: Blinking is a natural action by the body that keeps your eyes moist. When you read or stare at a digital screen for an extended period, you tend to blink less, so your eyes are more likely to dry out. Try to blink slowly and frequently to maintain your eyes’ moisture and keep them from drying out. If your eyes do dry out, try replacing lost moisture with artificial tears.
• Decrease the screen’s glare: Blue light leads to eye strain, so if you can filter it out before it reaches your eyes, you can prevent digital strain. There are many apps available that filter out blue light from smartphones. You can also purchase a glare filter to install on your computer screen or invest in high-quality computer lenses.
• Take frequent breaks: Giving your eyes short breaks during screen-time is the best way to prevent eye strain. Every hour you spend looking at a screen, use the 20-20-20 rule, and look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. You should also take a more extended break every two hours. Whether you get up to get a drink or just walk around for a few minutes to stretch your legs, giving yourself a 15-minute break from screen time every two hours is essential for eye health. It can also help relieve muscles that get stiff when you sit for long periods as a bonus.

If you suspect you are dealing with digital eye strain, take preventative measures to reduce eye fatigue. These habits can improve your overall eye health, but it is also essential to get an annual eye exam and speak with your provider regarding eye strain. Dr. John Frangie with Northeast Laser is an eye care provider in Springfield, Missouri, who can help you reduce strain on your eyes. Schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners today to learn more about protecting yourself from eye strain.

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If you have vision problems and wear glasses or contact lenses for any reason, you probably already receive regular eye exams. However, routine exams are important even if you don’t have vision problems as they can identify other health problems or determine if your vision is changing so you can resolve minor issues before they become major.

Why Are Eye Exams Important?

The condition of your eyes gives doctors better insight into your overall health. Whether your vision has changed recently or not, you should schedule regular eye exams because the doctor can analyze your eyes’ condition to determine if you have any hidden health conditions. Serious health problems such as diabetes, lupus, glaucoma, and high blood pressure can often be diagnosed based on your eyes’ condition. Regular eye exams can also identify minor changes in vision so you can correct them before they start interfering with your quality of life.

Which Type of Eye Doctor Should You See?

A comprehensive eye exam can be performed by either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. An optometrist is an eye specialist who generally administers vision tests and prescribes glasses and contact lenses as needed. An ophthalmologist is a licensed medical doctor who is certified to perform surgery on eyes as needed. If you don’t have vision problems, you may want to visit an optometrist but if you are experiencing severe changes in your vision or suspect you need eye surgery, an ophthalmologist such as Dr. John Frangie at Northeast Laser may be a better fit.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

If you are aware you have vision problems and wear contact lenses or glasses, you should have your eyes checked yearly. You can skip yearly visits if you don’t have vision problems, but you should still use the following guidelines for routine eye checkups.

• People between the ages of 20 and 39 should visit the eye doctor every five years.
• People between the ages of 40 and 54 should have their eyes checked at least every four years.
• People between the ages of 55 and 64 should get eye exams every three years.
• People over the age of 65 should have their eyes checked every two years.

What Does an Eye Exam Entail?

An eye doctor will check for disease or vision problems at a routine eye exam. He or she may first dilate your pupils to get a better look at the nerves and blood vessels in your eye. Although your vision may be slightly blurry and sensitive to bright lights for a few hours, dilation is not painful. The doctor will also have you read from an eye chart and check different visual elements such as color perception and peripheral vision. Finally, you can expect the doctor to examine your pupils’ reactions to light and ensure eye muscles are functioning properly.

Regular eye exams should be part of your wellness routine. Not only can they help you identify and correct minor vision problems before they become problematic, but they can also alert the doctor to serious hidden medical conditions. The experts at Northeast Laser in West Springfield, MA are here to perform routine eye exams to help avoid major vision problems so you can live your best life. Contact us to schedule an appointment to have an eye exam performed by one of our vision experts. Call (413) 363-2732 today!

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Cross-linking is a revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure for those who have been diagnosed with Keratoconus. When partaking in this cross-linking we will have you in and out of Dr. John Frangie’s office in the blink of an eye. While this procedure has just recently been approved in the United States, it has been practiced in Europe for a number of years. This procedure gives patients the opportunity to halt the process of corneal thinning; there have also been proven cases that this procedure has helped improve astigmatism. Where does the name Cross-Linking come from you might ask? When this procedure is completed, special bonds are being added to the collagen fibers in your eye. This helps to link, support and strengthen your cornea.

While people diagnosed with Keratoconus are the ones who are first and foremost being treated with cross-linking, there are other uses for this procedure as well. If you have suffered from a weakened corneal due to LASIK surgery, have corneal ulcers, undergone RK vision changes, or have been diagnosed with any other related corneal issues, then cross-linking could be for you.

Cross-Linking Risks

Although it is not a topic that many like to discuss, there are risks that come along with the procedure. Be aware of:

• Pain and swelling
• Damage to the cornea
• Infections of the eye
• Sight problems such as blurred vision

This is also not a procedure where the patient will notice results immediately. It will take months to completely heal and may even feel as though your condition is getting worse within the first couple months. Once the corneal starts to heal, there will be progress in your vision and you will start to see results and less progression of Keratoconus.

This break through offers patients the first proven method to halt Keratocounus. Following through with the cross-linking procedure will help you with your day to day life and will simplify the management of Keratoconus. At the office of Dr. John Frangie, we are pleased to be able to offer you this revolutionary procedure to help your eyesight and your future.