Services

Prevent Issues You Can’t Detect on Your Own

As we have mentioned, clear vision does not always correlate with healthy eyes. A visit with our eye doctor allows us to have a closer look at the eye’s external and internal structures. This examination is much more involved than a typical vision screening. Even with a normal check-up, the optometrist can establish a baseline to compare with for a future exam. Having the consistency of regular eye appointments, makes it easier to have the correct prescription for your eyeglasses or contacts along with treating potential eye conditions.

Routine Eye Exams Can Spot Eye Diseases

Many eye diseases can compromise your vision and they often have no early warning signs. More importantly, it is vital to catch these conditions as early as possible to provide proper intervention and treatment. Here are a few of the most common diseases that can be discovered during a routine eye exam:

• Macular degeneration (referred to as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD)
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Meibomian Gland Disfunction/Dry Eye Disease

Providing Information About Your Overall Health

An eye exam gives our optometrist an idea of how healthy you are. During the exam, we will take a closer look at your optic nerve and other structures of the eyes to identify any possible abnormalities. Often, these issues can help detect otherwise unknown problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. Something as simple as an eye exam can prevent a host of other health complications.

Contact Our Optometrist at Rio Linda Eye Care

Our family eye doctor at Rio Linda Eye Care is committed to preserving your vision. We depend on our eyes at every waking moment, and you owe it to yourself to make them a priority. If you are long past due for an eye exam and live in or around Sacramento, call Dr. Fleischmann today at (916) 991-8444 to schedule an appointment.

What Causes Computer Vision Syndrome?

There are two basic causes of computer vision syndrome: what is emitted from the screen and how we view it. Digital screens put out both blue light and glare on the screen. The glare strains our eyes and causes them to overcompensate.

As blue light passes through to the retina, it causes damage while also increasing the risk of future macular degeneration. It is known that blue light interferes with our sleep cycles. A lack of sleep can lead to tired eyes, which can further compound the issue. How we view our screens is equally important. Some contributors to computer vision syndrome are poor posture, viewing at an angle or from an improper distance, looking up or down to see the screen, and poor lighting.

Computer Vision Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dry, itchy, or red eyes
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Eyestrain
• Blurred or double vision
• Tired eyes

Who Is at the Greatest Risk?

Anyone who spends two hours or more each day looking at a digital screen is at risk. Risk of computer vision syndrome increases if you do not take regular breaks. Those with underlying eye issues have a higher risk of suffering from computer vision syndrome.

Computer Vision Treatment

Treating eye trouble often comes down to a combination of professional help and lifestyle changes. First and foremost, you must schedule for regular eye exams. The optometrist can help ensure you have the correct prescription, as well as discuss the advantages of blue light filters and whether it is needed. If you believe you or your child is exhibiting symptoms of computer vision syndrome, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Work From Home Zone

Take some time to set up a zone for you and your kids to reduce unnecessary eye strain.

• Set your device’s monitor or screen at their eye level. Anything else they will need to look at regularly should be at eye level too.
• Be sure the chair they use promotes good posture.
• Set timers for regular eye breaks.

Optometrist in Rio Linda, CA

At Rio Linda Eye Care, we have years of experience addressing computer vision syndrome. For more information about computer vision syndrome or to schedule an appointment, call us at (916) 991-8444.

Computer Vision FAQs

At Rio Linda Eye Care, we understand that computers are vital for any business. Therefore, many of us spend countless hours in front of the computer screen just to do our work. Unfortunately, because of this, we are seeing a rise in digital eye strain and other computer vision-related issues.

If you are in the Sacramento, Elverta, North Highlands, or Antelope areas and feel you may be experiencing issues affecting your computer vision and overall sight, contact us today.

What Causes Eye Discomfort From Screen Use?

The average worker spends seven to ten hours on the computer daily between work and home. Eye discomfort tends to increase when more time is spent in front of digital screens. These issues can be best described as a collection of eye or vision problems brought about by extended time spent in front of our computers, iPads, tablets, cell phones, and other electronic devices.

What Can I Do To Ease Eye Strain?

Reading information from an electronic screen is vastly different from reading printed words on a piece of paper. Letters on our computers and other electronic devices aren’t as defined. The glare from our computer’s screens can tire our eyes out more quickly.

To help with eye care issues related to computer vision, it is recommended to take breaks often to give your eyes a rest. The American Optometric Association recommended taking a 20-second break from viewing the computer. Also, you should view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes, which should help alleviate computer vision problems. This is known as the 20-20-20 rule.

What Are Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?

Common symptoms associated with digital eye strain and other computer vision problems are:

• Eye strain
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Pressure behind ears

These symptoms may be brought on by:

• Glare on a digital screen
• Unsafe viewing distances (sitting too close to your screen or holding your device too close to your eyes)
• Terrible posture
• Bad lighting
• Uncorrected vision problems
• A combination of these factors

How Can Our Optometrist Help You Manage Computer Vision Symptoms?

It’s simple, by working closely with our eye doctor, you can significantly reduce the risk of eye strain and other vision problems associated with computer vision. We’ll prescribe the appropriate eyewear or treatment to help you work comfortably at your computer or device.

Contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses may not be adequate to help with computer vision problems. You may benefit from being prescribed a separate pair of lenses for viewing the computer. Those glasses may require a different strength, tint, and coating to help you see better and get rid of eye discomfort. Rio Linda Eye Care can help. Schedule an annual eye exam with us to monitor your vision and catch computer vision problems early on when they’re easier to treat.

Quality Eye Care in Sacramento

Schedule your appointment with Rio Linda Eye Care today if you are near Sacramento, Elverta, North Highlands, or Antelope by calling (916) 991-8444 today.

Types of Contact Lenses

There are two main types of contact lenses:

Soft Lenses
These are the most common type of lenses. They’re made of a water-based plastic that contains 39 to 80 percent water. This type of lens is very breathable, so it’s a good option for people who wear their lenses for long periods or have allergies.

Soft lenses are also available in a disposable form. You can wear them for a day or two and then throw them away. This type of lens is a good choice for people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning their lenses daily.

Rigid Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses
Rigid gas-permeable lenses are made of a hard, plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through. This lens type is less likely to cause headaches and dry eyes than soft lenses. They also provide better clarity of vision. However, they can take some time to get used to wearing.

Choosing the Right Contact Lenses

There are a few things you will need to consider when choosing contact lenses. These include:

Prescription
When you visit our optometrist, we will determine the right prescription for your lenses. This will depend on the severity of your myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism.

Fit
Your contact lenses must fit well. They will slide around on your eyeball and cause irritation if they are too big. If they are too small, they will cause redness and discomfort.

Material
As mentioned, there are two main contact lenses: soft and rigid gas permeable. You will need to choose the right material for your needs.

Contact Our Eye Care Clinic to Schedule an Appointment

If you are interested in trying contact lenses, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fleischmann at Rio Linda Eye Care. We provide quality eye care for our patients in and around North Highland, Sacramento, Elverta, and Rio Linda. We will help you find the right type of lens for your needs and ensure that they fit well. Call our team today at 916-991-8444 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.

Dry Eye Syndrome

If you have been wondering why you have dry or irritated eyes, it is what we refer to as dry eye syndrome. This condition means that your eyes aren’t producing a sufficient amount of tears or the tears they produce are of poor quality. As a result, you may experience unpleasant symptoms, such as red or itchy eyes, a burning sensation, and light sensitivity.

Causes of Dry Eye

There are a number of reasons why you might be experiencing dry eye, as explained in more detail below:

• Age – As we get older, it’s normal for our eyes to not produce as many tears. This is because the glands that produce tears tend to slow down with age.
• Environment – If you live in a particularly dry climate, it is more likely that you will have the symptoms we have listed. Especially here in California, the summer season is notorious for causing dry eyes.
• Computer Use – Do you use a computer for most of the day for work? You might find that your eyes feel more strained and dry by the end of the workday. This is because we tend to blend less frequently when working on a computer, which can lead to dry eyes.

Prevention and Treatment

While it’s not impossible to prevent dry eyes, you can take steps to help reduce the symptoms. If you use a computer, take a small break at least every hour and remember to blink often. You can also wear sunglasses if you go outside and don’t forget to lubricate with eye drops.

At Rio Linda Eye Care, we offer a variety of treatment options for dry eye syndrome. We will work with you to come up with the best treatment plan based on the severity of your condition. In some cases, we may recommend artificial tears or ointments. If your condition is more severe, we may suggest a treatment called punctal occlusion. This treatment involves plugging the tear ducts to help your tears stay in your eyes longer.

Make An Appointment With Our Optometrist

If you are ready to get rid of dry eyes for good, Dr. Fleischmann can help. We will start by asking you about your symptoms and performing a comprehensive eye exam. From there, we will recommend the best treatment plan and get you the much-needed relief you’re looking for. If you are experiencing dry eyes and live in or around Rio Linda, Sacramento, Elverta, or North Highland, call our team today at (916) 991-8444 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.

Glaucoma is a complicated disease to treat. If eye drops are the best method to treat your glaucoma Dr. Fleischmann will carefully choose a medication that will not only be effective but will also have the least possible side effects and not be contraindicated by other medications you take or other health conditions you may have. Dr. Fleischmann will also consider whether other treatments such as laser or surgical options would be better for you than treatment with eye drops. If you have glaucoma, or are concerned that you may have glaucoma, please contact our office to schedule an appointment so that we can provide you with the best possible treatment.

Glaucoma FAQs

Glaucoma refers to a group of optical diseases that can damage the optic nerve. This damage can cause various degrees of vision loss. The most common forms of this disease include wide and narrow-angle glaucoma. Other types include but are not limited to chronic simple, acute congestive, close angle, and open-angle glaucoma. Some types of glaucoma share some of the same signs and symptoms. At Rio Linda Eye Care, we have been providing residents of Sacramento, Elverta, North Highlands, Antelope, and Rio Linda, CA with glaucoma treatment for many years. Following are the answers to questions our family eye doctor frequently receives regarding glaucoma.

What Are the Key Risk Factors?

A key risk factor for glaucoma is being over 60 years of age. Taking certain medications long-term can cause drug-induced glaucoma. Additional risk factors include:

• Health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, heart disease
• Corneas with a thin center
• Farsightedness
• Nearsightedness
• Eye injury
• Family history of glaucoma
• Eye surgery
• Asian, Hispanic, or African descent

How Can Early Treatment Help?

Early detection and treatment can help you preserve your eyesight. The symptoms of glaucoma can be very minor, some individuals don’t exhibit obvious symptoms at all. An interesting fact is that about 50% of people who have glaucoma do not know it. Our optometrist will assess your vision to determine whether or not you have glaucoma and perform treatment before vision loss is allowed to occur.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Cases of glaucoma are typically painless. This is especially true during the early stages of the disease. It is imperative to see an optometrist for an exam to better understand your optical health. Only about 10% of individuals (that have closed angles) and severe angle-closure experience sudden pain ocular alongside other symptoms. These symptoms include a serious headache, vomiting and nausea, a suddenly reduced level of vision, and pupil dilation. Severe angle-closure glaucoma is considered a medical emergency.

Contact Our Optometrist for Glaucoma Treatment in Sacramento, Elverta, North Highlands, Antelope, and Rio Linda, CA

If you suspect you are suffering from glaucoma, contact Rio Linda Eye Care today. Our family eye doctor will assess your condition to determine the type of glaucoma you are suffering from and provide the appropriate treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (916) 991-8444.

When to See a Pediatric Optometrist

You can get your child’s eyes tested as early as six months of age. After that, your child should get an eye exam after the age of three and every year. If your child already wears glasses, it is essential to make an appointment with an optometrist if there are concerns about not being able to see well even with correction. It is a good idea to talk to your child’s teacher to see if your son or daughter is having trouble viewing the whiteboard or other vital information in class. For those children doing distance learning on the computer; it is important for them to have an eye exam if they are having blurred vision or the eyes are getting tired after using a computer.

Understanding a Pediatric Eye Exam

It’s important to schedule an appointment during the time of the day where your child will be the most attentive with good behavior. You should have some knowledge of your child’s eye and medical histories, any current issues he or she is experiencing with his or her eyes, and how your child’s glasses or contacts are working out. It is helpful if you can inform us of eye diseases or conditions that other family members have. Lazy eyes, or eyes that cross or turn out, as well as higher amounts of nearsightedness and farsightedness, are sometimes hereditary. During the exam, Dr. Fleischmann will perform several eye and vision tests to understand the overall health of your child’s eyes and vision.

Every parent needs to take the lead to schedule an eye exam. It’s not uncommon for many children to be silent even if they’re are having difficulty seeing in school. Many times, their confidence will begin to diminish because they can’t perform the way they should. Luckily, a simple fix, like getting a pair of glasses, can make all the difference and help your son or daughter do much better.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist in Rio Linda, CA

If you’re searching for a pediatric optometrist in Rio Linda, CA, we are honored that you’ve considered Dr. Fleischmann. We are happy to welcome our young visitors to ensure they are getting the service they need. Get in touch with Rio Linda Eye Care today to schedule an eye exam for your child. Our staff looks forward to serving you and your family! Our number is (916) 991-8444.

What Are Symptoms of Pink Eye?

There are symptoms of pink eye that are uncomfortable and painful. It’s important to visit our optometrist to alleviate your condition right away. Here are some common signs of pinkeye.

• Watery eyes
• Gritty and burning eyes
• Itchiness and light sensitivity
• Puffy eyelids
• Discharge that can crust over the eyelids
• Burning sensation

What Pink Eye Treatment Options Are Available?

Treatment for pink eye depends on the specific causes of the condition. Here are some common ways that it is addressed:

• Prescriptions and antibiotics: Our eye doctor will usually prescribe different medications, ointments, and eye drops to get rid of the infection. You should start to see improvement within a week.
• Compresses: Hot and cold compresses provide great relief to pink eye symptoms. Pink eye will take time to run its course through your system, and you can apply a compress each night before bed to sleep better.
• Face Washes: Washing your face and eyelids prevents more irritants from getting inside your eyes.

How Can I Stop Pink Eye from Spreading?

Pink eye can spread very easily, but you can take proactive steps to prevent others from getting it. It’s also a good idea to stay home from work or keep your child home from school with a pinkeye diagnosis. There are some personal hygiene tips to stop the spread of pinkeye.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as cups, pillows, washcloths, makeup, or contact lenses.
• Avoid touching the infected area of your eye, and clean discharge or crust buildup from your eyes.

Schedule an Eye Appointment with Our Optometrist

If you are experiencing pink eye symptoms, we can help. At Rio Linda Eye Care, we provide pink eye treatment and can help with many other conditions. We serve residents of Rio Linda, Sacramento, Elverta, North Highlands, and Antelope, CA. Our team will help you get your eyesight back on track. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us today.

Pediatric Eye Exams

Did you know that up to 80 percent of all of the information your child learns is in a visual format? As a result, if your son or daughter cannot see clearly, they will likely struggle in school. As your child grows and develops, their eyes should be checked by an optometrist regularly.

Children can have an eye examination as early as six months of age. Then, they should have another exam around the age of three, and again when they are getting ready to start kindergarten. Once in school, they should see an eye doctor at least every two years. However, if there are vision problems or your child wears eyeglasses, annual exams are recommended. It is important to understand that children’s eyes are rapidly changing and require monitoring to ensure clear vision.

Eye Exams for Children between Two and Five

Toddler and preschool years are a period when your child has significant learning and improvement with fine motor skills and cognitive development. Common problems with this age group include amblyopia, or what some people refer to as lazy eye. Treatment for this condition is much easier when detected early. If your child is showing the following symptoms, it is time to schedule a visit with our eye doctor.

• Frequently rubbing eyes or squinting
• Sitting close to a television or books
• Avoiding activities typically enjoyed by children, such as coloring or tracing

Eye Exams for Adolescents and Teens

If you have children between the ages of 6-18, they are often involved in various school and extracurricular activities. Students often exhibit behavior problems because they have difficulty seeing and sometimes cannot express issues with their vision.

What Is Done during a Pediatric Eye Exam?

There are different tests performed to check your child’s vision and eye health. These tests can include:

• Visual Acuity
• Binocular and peripheral vision
• Focusing and tracking
• Color vision

Our eye doctor will also examine the internal and external structures for signs of eye diseases and other health concerns. A checkup is a good time to discuss any other concerns you may have with our eye doctor and get fitted for frames or contact lenses if needed.

Make an Appointment with Our Eye Doctor in Rio Linda, CA

Our team at Rio Linda Eye Care believes in providing the best eye care services possible for patients of all ages. If you live in or around Rio Linda, Sacramento, Elverta, or North Highlands and would like to schedule an eye exam with Dr. Fleischmann, call our team today at (916) 991-8444 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.