Eye Doctor Versus Optometrist - Know the Difference?

By Hillary Glaser

     

Optician versus optometrist versus ophthalmologists (eye doctors), did you even know that there is a very distinctive difference? Well, for a vast majority of people, the answer is surprisingly "no", even though ones eyes are such a crucial part of ones life and ability to live fully and enjoy to the fullest.

From the outset, one should always remember that every profession has its place and so whether optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist, all three have very special roles to play in maintaining the overall health of your eyes. However, knowing who to visit and when will help to save you a lot of time, money and effort.

Let's start with opticians, who are untrained professionals whose role is to help you to find the perfect glasses frames to suit all elements of your personality, lifestyle, loves and so on; but, they are not able to do eye examinations or to treat eye problems - at all and ever! Opticians are usually found at offline retail stores as they provide a face to face service for customers buying eyeglasses. As the online world of glasses buying takes over, their roles are becoming redundant.

Then we have optometrists, who act as your primary eye care providers and have put effort into attaining a degree and special license to be a Doctor of Optometry. This kind of professional is able to fully test your eyes; both to update your eyeglasses prescription, and to detect more serious eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, detached retina and so on; as well as testing color perception, depth, and the ability to focus and coordinate the eyes. Therefore, your optometrist is able to diagnose, and in many cases, treat most optical problems and to adapt the necessary strengths for new eyeglasses or contact lenses. What an optometrist lacks is the ability to carry out surgery and so, for any big problems, he/she will refer you to a specialist, generally known as an ophthalmologist or eye doctor.

An ophthalmologist is a full medical doctor with a full Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D. or D.O.), extensive clinical training and a complete general knowledge of all medical issues. Although most people would choose to simply go to an ophthalmologist for all of their eye care needs, ophthalmologists rarely practice optometry and so, will not simply see a patient who wants to check their eyes for an updated prescription and he will not keep a supply of glasses and contact lenses; or order them in for patients. An ophthalmologist is able to practice surgery and is usually kept very busy operating on those with glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and other retinal problems, or helping patients to deal with the effects or after effects of these eye diseases. Most people who have ever been operated on by an ophthalmologist will need to see him for a annual check up to ensure that their eyes remain at their most optimal, possible.

So now the knowledge is yours and when next you have a problem with your eyes, you will not make a mistake on choosing the right eye professional to visit!

H. Glaser works with GlassesUSA.com - the easiest way to buy glasses online. She is an optical expert specializing in styling eyeglasses for the company.

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Home Remedies For Tired Eyes

By Sofia Portner

     

Tired eyes can affect your whole body, you have trouble thinking, concentrating and your mind feels all blocked up. Tiredness of the eyes is a very common problem which comes hand-in-hand with lack of sleep, when your eyes don't get enough rest they become sore, the skin becomes swollen and puffy, you may even get bloodshot eyes. This is because your eyes need resting time, usually 7-8 hours a night is enough. During sleeping hours your eyes process all the things they have seen that day, without this time to rest they get over worked.
Tired Eyes Symptoms

• Burning
• Redness
• Blurry Vision
• Heaviness
• Headache
• Itchiness

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above then you are most likely suffering from tired eyes. But don't worry it's not a serious problem, a good nights rest should sort it out in no time.
If there is any pain in the eyes then a doctor should be consulted, this is not something that is advised to be treated at home.
Home Remedies For Tired Eyes
Using a home remedy for tired eyes is always the best option, it is gentle to your eyes and doesn't cost a lot of money. Here are some of the best ways to treat your tired eyes from home.

• Try placing two spoons in the fridge overnight, when you get them out they will be quite cold. Place them on closed eyelids to help with any tiredness or puffiness. You eyes should feel a bit more awake.
• Dip a cotton ball into some milk, and place it on the eyes for a few minutes. Milk is said to have healing properties which work well on tired eyes.
• Cucumber is popular for helping eyes relax and this is because it actually does, cucumber is made mostly from water. Cut a couple of slices and place them over the eyes for instant relief.
• Washing the eyes regularly with cold water may help, it helps lubricate them and stops them from feelings tired.
• Get a cup of water and mix in some lavender oil, dip a cotton ball into the mixture and rub over the eyelids. Lavender is very useful for helping to relax and getting your muscles to relax. It is perfect for helping to get a good nights rest.
• If you wear contacts, try removing them for a couple of days and stick to glasses. Contacts can aggravate the eyes surface so it would be beneficial to take a break and use some of the above treatments on the eyes.
• Don't read in the dark or use the computer in a dark room, this can cause your eyes to have to work harder than they need to which makes them more tired. Take a break for a little while if you are using the computer for long periods of time.

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Vision Conditions: LASIK Eye Surgery and Other Treatment Options

By Kristen Mozayeni           

 

    

Astigmatism
A very common eye condition, astigmatism occurs when someone's cornea is irregularly shaped, not allowing the retina to properly focus on light. Many people with astigmatism believe LASIK eye surgery is not a possibility for them. This is not true. If a LASIK specialist has invested in recent technology, then having astigmatism does NOT make you a non-candidate. Patients who desire to reduce their dependence on and possibly get rid of their eyeglasses or contacts should visit a reputable LASIK specialist to determine whether or not their eyes are suitable for LASIK eye surgery. During a LASIK consultation, you should expect the following at a minimum: a scan of your cornea, checking of your peripheral vision, pupil reaction, eye dominance, tear production, your entire health history (not just your eyes) and you should meet your surgeon on this day as well.

Reading Vision Correction
As we age, our internal eye lenses gradually get harder, losing the ability to change shape automatically and focus up close. Typically noticeable by 45, presbyopia (farsightedness or loss of close-up vision) is often correctable via LASIK eye surgery or other, non-surgical methods. LASIK options such as Monovision or Presby-LASIK can reshape the cornea so light once again bends correctly, allowing proper retinal focusing. For those not suitable for LASIK eye surgery, numerous solutions treat presbyopia, including:

• Bifocal glasses
• Multifocal glasses
• Monovision contacts
• Reading glasses

Distance Vision Correction
Many people are myopic, meaning that they can't see far away. This can happen at many stages of life, and in many cases, it is inherited. The good thing about myopia is that it is easy to fix. When someone is myopic, it means the surface of the cornea (the front of the eye) is too steep and light gets focused slightly in front of the retina. LASIK eye surgery is the process of reshaping the cornea to correct distance vision issues. Afterward, the eye can correctly bend light again, restoring clear vision. Patients deemed good LASIK candidates should look carefully at their surgeon's experience, level of patient care and technology. If your surgeon thinks you are a good candidate, then your surgeon can also recommend all-laser blade free LASIK or all laser blade-free PRK. In cases where individuals are not suitable candidates, they can be treated with a prescription for contacts and/or glasses to correct their distance vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common condition that diabetic patients must monitor carefully. Untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness and therefore should be closely monitored. Many times affecting both eyes, diabetic retinopathy is present in roughly 40% of Type I diabetes cases and 20% of Type II cases. Other than keeping blood sugar levels as close to homeostasis as possible, diabetics need to visit their eye care specialist regularly to keep check on their visual status. When caught in its early stages, diabetic retinopathy is much easier to manage and treat. A comprehensive eye exam can unearth diabetic retinopathy while quality diabetic eye care can maximize retinal health. Diabetic retinopathy does not automatically make you a non-candidate for LASIK. Diabetic patients should be carefully evaluated by a qualified LASIK specialist to determine if they are a candidate. Your diabetic history should be an integral part of that evaluation process and discussion about the best solution for vision correction.

Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes abnormally thin, bulges like a cone and becomes distorted. This causes significant visual distortion. In the early stages of keratoconus, patients typically can be fitted with contacts that will give them acceptable vision. However, if the keratoconus does not stabilize and continues to worsen, a corneal transplant is ultimately required. Keratoconus patients are NOT LASIK candidates. LASIK can actually accelerate keratoconus.
There is excellent and exciting news on the horizon for keratoconus patients. Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL), which has been performed in Europe since 1997, has been in clinical trials in the United States. It is possible the procedure will be approved by the FDA by mid-2014, offering hope to those suffering from keratoconus. While CXL may not cure this disease, corneal cross linking may be the key in slowing keratoconus progression and reducing the chances of needing a corneal transplant. It is expected that there will be some keratoconus patients that may be LASIK candidates after successful corneal cross linking. This is something that should be discussed with a LASIK specialist who is also performing corneal cross linking when available.

Check out our blog at: http://www.providenceeye.com/blog/ to learn more about vision conditions, advanced LASIK technology and complete eye care treatments. Or, feel free to contact us to schedule a complimentary eye examination if you're interested in LASIK eye surgery: http://www.providenceeye.com/contact-us.php. Thanks for reading!

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What Do Eye Test Results Mean?

By Dr. Amrita Sodhi

     

You have been noticing a slight blurriness in your vision for a few months now. You manage to squeeze some time in your busy schedule for an eye test in one of the top eye hospitals. First-timers often have multiple thoughts running in their mind: What will I have to do? How would it be done exactly?


What happens in a regular eye test to check spectacle numbers?

Top eye hospitals often have an optometrist to first have a look at your eye. First, a complete history is sought. You are asked questions about what complaints brought you for an eye check, other illnesses (to find out if diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure could have a toll on your eyesight), the medications that you have been taking (some medicines may have an effect on your eyes in the long term), eye diseases that run in your family, the nature of your profession and few details of your lifestyle that could affect your sight like the number of hours spent at the computer, time spent in the sun etc.

Next, you will be checked for distance vision. This is done by asking you to look at a chart with alphabets of various sizes and identifying the smallest size that you can see clearly.
After that you are tested for near vision. A small hand held card with text of various sizes is held about 12-14 inches from your eyes.

Regular spectacle users who seek eye care in top eye hospitals are probably very well aware of all this. They often have questions about the prescription that is handed after the test: What do the numbers indicate? What do + and - mean? Patients are often left wondering what the codes on the prescription means. Even if it's one of the top eye hospitals, very few patients receive answers to their queries.


Understanding the test results:

The results of far vision testing are recorded as a fraction. While 6/6 is considered normal, a vision of 6/9 would mean that you can see at 6 metres what a normal person would be able to see at 9 metres. The results of near vision testing are expressed as N6, N8, N10, N14 etc. and N6 is considered normal.

The other components:

SPH / Sphere: This records if you are short sighted (- minus sign) or long sighted (+ plus sign) and by how much.

CYL / Cylinder: This means that your eyes are not perfectly spherical and you have astigmatism.

AXIS: This indicates the orientation of the astigmatism.

There might be an "Add" number which is usually seen in people above 40. It means that you need that much extra power for reading at close distances.

Apart from the above vision testing, additional tests may be needed to test your peripheral vision, colour vision, depth perception, eye muscle balance, eye pressure, retina (the back of your eye) etc. Top eye hospitals usually offer all these services under one roof which means that you need not worry about anything other than... just getting yourself to seek the elusive time for that appointment!

Advanced Eye Hospital and Institute (AEHI) is the most technologically progressive Eye hospital in Navi Mumbai. Our experienced team includes prominent ophthalmologists in eye care service areas like General Ophthalmology, Cornea & Refractive Surgery, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Vitreo-Retinal Surgery & Oculoplasty.

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School Vision Screenings Vs. Eye Exams

By Dr. Grace Kim

     

Because the ability to see well has such a direct relationship with a student's ability to behave and succeed in school, students across the nation are receiving vision screenings while in school. But what exactly does a school vision screening entail, and how does it differ from visiting your local eye doctor for a professional eye exam?

School Screening

Much of the learning that our children do is based entirely on being able to see their materials, whether that is the book in front of them, their test paper, or the teacher's notes on the blackboard. It comes as no surprise, then, that schools are invested in learning whether students can see properly and that they report their findings to parents out of hopes that the parents will fix the problem.

Schools regularly perform school vision screenings to check a child's eyesight and ability to see things far away. Vision screenings are often a parent's first professional notice that their child may be struggling to see. Sadly, they are no substitute for an eye exam. These screenings are often performed by school nurses, not by optometrists, and students are not thoroughly tested to determine all potential issues. The American Optometric Association specifically warns that school vision screenings are not able to accurately assess your child's eye health.

Eye Exam

In contrast, a professionally conducted eye exam puts you, your child, and a doctor in a room and ensures that your child's vision is fully tested to determine what issues, if any, exist. Should your child have vision difficulties, your eye doctor will be able to give them a prescription to correct their vision after the exam. Even children who pass their school vision screenings should be examined by an eye doctor to ensure that there are no issues that school screeners may have missed.

There is No Substitute for a Real Eye Exam!

Remember: although school vision screenings may help you to determine that your child's eyes are not performing at their best, they are no substitute for having a professional optometrist examine your child. School vision screeners have to examine a very high number of patients, and they are simply unable to take the time they need to ensure that they have a proper prescription for your child.
Instead, these screenings are largely intended to help parents know that their child needs to have an official eye exam and be fitted for glasses.

If your child has had a school vision screening and the screener recommended that your child be fitted for glasses, don't delay: schedule an eye exam with a doctor of optometry as soon as you can. Poor vision can have a wide-reaching effect on your child, including contributing to behavioral problems and poor grades. Giving your child the gift of healthy eyesight is often the best gift you could ever give them.
 

Dr. Grace Kim is Chairperson for Clinical Advisory Panel of America's Best, a nationwide eyeglasses retailer. With over 300 locations nationwide, America's Best provides thousands of high quality eyewear to customers every day. They carry a wide selection of designer eyeglasses and contact lenses in each of their stores, and they also offer eye exams. Learn more about designer eyeglasses at http://www.twopair.com/eyeglasses/designer-glasses/

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Causes of Blurred Vision - What Are the Main Causes of Blurred Vision?

By Elizabeth Moller

     

Life can be more difficult if you are experiencing blurry vision. It would be more frustrating to know that it can be a sign of many illnesses or serious health problems. Quality of vision depends not only on a transparency and clarity of crystalline lens, but conductivity and normal functioning of an optic nerve and structure of retina. The major causes of blurred vision actually are the weakening or eye muscles. It is very important to keep eye muscles in perfect condition because movement of eyeballs, adjustment of the curvature of the lens and many functions of the eyes depend on them.

Some of the common causes of blurred vision is cataract. The sign of this problem is the noticeable blurring and worsening of eyesight such as night vision, fading of colors. People with cataracts have difficulty in driving at night because the glaring headlights of the passing vehicles can dazzle the eyesight.

Another eye problem that can deteriorate vision is macular degeneration. People will suffer from macular degeneration if the neurons which are located at the back of the eyes cannot detect the light. Because the neurons are defected, the blurring image cannot be corrected by eye glasses or contact lenses. Many researchers and eye care practitioners suggest that certain nutrients which have high level of antioxidants such as zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins A, C and E will halt or slow the development of macular degeneration.

Eyesight disorder may also be caused by nearsightedness, or myopia as it is medically termed. Nearsightedness is a condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but far away objects that are seen blurred because the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, light focuses in front of the retina so you see a blurred image. Myopia is a common disorder and it has been reported that more than 25 % of American adults suffer from this eye disorder.

One of the causes of blurred vision is farsightedness or hyperopia. In the opposite of myopia, farsightedness occurs if vision is better for distant objects than for near objects because the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, so the light which enter the eye is not focused correctly.

When you are experiencing dry eyes sometimes images can appear fuzzy. Your eye needs constant flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. When there is an imbalance in this tear system you may experience dry eyes. Dry eyes may be due to low humidity, low blink rate or windy conditions. Complications are uncommon but go to see a doctor if vision becomes affected (more than slight temporary blurring).
 

The main causes of blurred vision may due to the result of misuse or overuse of the eye muscles. Therefore, it is important to find out the cause of the muscle irregularity rather than going to an ophthalmologist. It is widely known that the glasses or contact lenses do not provide you a solution instead making your condition worse. There are simple vision habits for you to learn and practice everyday that will help you to improve your eye ability to see clear and relax. To stay away from blurry vision just click: Better Vision, you will be guided to a new direction to correct your vision without surgery and improve vision through simple do-it-at-home eye exercises, eye relaxing techniques and many other vision trainings to achieve better eyesight and the overall health of your eyes.
 

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Fast and Lasting Relief For Your Itchy Eyes

By Mark Rosenberg, M.D.

It's that time of year again when patients come to me with runny noses and watery eyes begging for some relief from their allergies. They complain that trying to function with itchy or twitching eyes is not only a nuisance but gets in the way of enjoying life. Being an allergy sufferer myself, I have to say I can relate. That's why I have personally researched a few natural remedies that really work.

The Underlying Cause of Your Itchy Eyes

The number one cause of itchy eyes is hypersensitivity to dust or pollen. This is an allergic reaction to something the body is trying to fight off similar to a virus or bacteria.

This causes you experience symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and irritated eyes. About half the population of Americans have some degree of allergies, and according to studies, seventy-five percent of all common allergic reactions affect the eyes.

Soothe Itchy Eyes Naturally

When it comes to allergies, the best advice is to avoid the culprit that is affecting you. But in the case of itchy eyes, it's impossible to shield yourself from any possible source or irritation that might be in the air.

When you are indoors I always recommend a good air filter that removes much of the dust particles. This of course is a way of controlling the air you breathe when you are inside, but let's take a closer look at what you can do when you are out in the elements.

There are two natural supplements that I recommend.

oThe first is Perilla frutescens extract. Perilla frutescens is a plant in the mint family that grows commonly all over Asia and is used for both food and medicine.

In a study published Experimental Biology and Medicine researchers found that people with allergies who take a daily dose of Perilla frutescens extract enjoy reduced symptoms including less itchiness in their eyes.

oThe second is Butterbur extract. Butterbur extract proved as effective as leading prescriptions in reducing and preventing allergy symptoms including itchy eyes.

My Eyes Aren't Itchy-They're Twitching

Patients not only report itchy eyes, but describe a condition known as twitching eyes. Eye twitching is caused by small muscle spasms below or above the eye and is usually triggered by stress or fatigue. In most cases, the spasm will last a little while and then go away on its own. Although it is not a serious condition, twitching eyes can be very annoying and tiring.

To prevent mild eye spasms from occurring or to stop the twitching I advise my patients to get a good night's sleep and some relaxation. I always ask them to take a moment to think about the sources of stress in their life and find ways to relieve it. By reducing stress or finding an outlet for tension usually prevents future eye twitching episodes.

If your eye twitching persists longer than two days or if it causes your facial muscles to spasm as well, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to rule nerve issues and to explore other treatment options.

Your eyes play an important role in the quality of life. You are not alone if itchy or twitching eyes are your problem. Don't continue to suffer in silence, talk to your doctor about some of the natural remedies mentioned here. Finding the best method to relieve your symptoms will allow you to make the most of the outdoor environment as well as your indoor space.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging

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