Menopause is a natural part of the aging process that marks the end of your menstrual cycle. During menopause, your body produces less androgen, progesterone, and estrogen, causing a host of uncomfortable symptoms – including hot flashes, sweating, insomnia, and for some women, dry eyes.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be unpleasant, and can lead to itchiness, burning, and redness. You may feel as if there is sand or grit in your eyes, causing your vision to blur and your eyes to tear up.

With dry eyes, it is often difficult to do work that requires long periods of screen time, which may limit your ability to do your job well. Additionally, if you usually wear contact lenses, you might want to switch to glasses for additional comfort. Having objects in your eyes when they are already itchy and sore can aggravate your dry eye symptoms.

Biological Changes That Can Affect Your Eyes

During menopause, your androgen supply decreases, affecting your eyelids’ lacrimal and meibomian glands. With this change comes a decrease in oil and fluid production; the eyelids may produce fewer tears and less tear quality, leading to dry eyes.

Research indicates a link between dry eye and changing estrogen levels, which can explain why an increase in dry eye symptoms coincides with your menstrual period or taking birth control.

The Effects of Dry Eye

Having dry eyes can cause or worsen your existing health conditions. For example, with fewer tears to flush allergens out of your eyes, your allergy symptoms may worsen. Severe dry eye symptoms may indicate Sjogren’s syndrome, a disease that causes dry mouth and dry eyes.

How to Treat Menopause-Related Dry Eyes

Since reduced hormones after menopause generally cause meibomian gland dysfunction, resulting in dry eye, treatment can focus on this condition. Remedies typically include artificial tears, eyelid hygiene, lubricating eye drops, warm compresses, oral antibiotics, and corticosteroid eye drops once the tear film is healthy.

Moreover, since dry eye during menopause is hormone-related, studies indicate keeping hormone levels in check can reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome. Your doctor can prescribe hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms and bring your estrogen levels back into balance. While restoring estrogen could reduce the possibility of eye disease, patients undergoing hormone therapy may be more prone to developing dry eye symptoms.

Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes

• Take herbal supplements, including St. John’s wort, ginseng, black cohosh, red clover, Dong quai, kava, and primrose oil.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin D or take a vitamin D supplement to obtain a daily dose of 600 I.U.
• Making lifestyle changes can help reduce dry eye irritants and prevent worsening symptoms.
• Reduce your daily screen time in favor of activities that let you rest your eyes, such as listening to music or audiobooks.
• Avoid using a ceiling fan while you sleep and turn air vents away from your face.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors.

Get Ready to See the Difference

Contact Will Vision and Laser Center to schedule a complimentary consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will for more information about eye health and protecting your vision.

The post Dry Eyes After Menopause appeared first on Will Vision.

1. Dry Eye

After 40, expect your tear production to decline. After 65, most people deal with a burning and stinging sensation that feels like grit in their eyes. Over-the-counter drops can be beneficial for mild dry eyes. If symptoms are more severe, it’s time to consult an ophthalmologist for an eye exam and possible treatment.

2. Floaters

Those tiny squiggles, strings, and specks are typically harmless, caused by age-related gel-like fluid that fills the back of your eyes. But when they change from occasional to an increased number, it’s time to make a beeline to your eye doctor. It may be a symptom of a more serious eye condition like a detached retina.

3. Glaucoma

This eye issue is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60. It is the buildup of fluid not draining, leading to pressure and optic nerve damage. It is painless and can affect both eyes, but typically not at the same time. Early detection and treatment can avert blindness.

4. Macular Degeneration

This eye disorder attacks the macula, the center of the retina. It causes blurred or wavy vision and central vision loss. Although there is no cure, there are ways to slow down its progression and lower its risk.

5. Cataracts

Cataracts are the result of proteins breaking down in the lens. When it interferes with everyday activities, Dr. Will may recommend exchanging a clouded lens for an artificial one.

6. Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition occurs when excess glucose damages retinal blood vessels. These vessels may swell and leak blood or other fluids into the retina, causing blurred vision. Eye exams and keeping your diabetes under control is the best way to preserve your sight.

7. Detached Retina

When the retina separates from the back of the eye, the gel-like fluid at the eye center changes in texture and shrinks. The problem isn’t painful, but without treatment, the greater the risk of permanent vision loss.

8. Trichiasis

This common age-related eye condition becomes evident when the lashes rub against the cornea or conjunctiva (thin inner surface of the lids). It can cause eye irritation, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and possible corneal abrasion. Treatment includes an in-office treatment to remove lashes.

9. Eye Strain

When your eyes get overworked or spend too much time in front of digital screens, they can become tired, itchy, achy, and dry. Driving long distances can have a similar effect. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of watching a screen, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

10. Blepharitis

This common condition is where the eyelid rims become inflamed. It is common with people who have skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea. It may produce swelling, burning, redness, crusty lashes, and itchy lids.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey to better vision, contact Will Vision & Laser Centers today. We’re excited to welcome you into our practice and for you to “See the Difference.”

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Since the advent of smartphones and tablets, researchers and eye care practitioners have wondered the same thing. Recent studies indicate it may be possible to control myopia by reducing its progression during childhood and among teens. However, at this time, there is no cure.

Nearsightedness Is Not an Eye Disease

Myopia is a refractive flaw caused by an elongated eyeball. This elliptical shape prevents light that enters the eye to not focus on the retina at the back of the eye. Instead, the light focuses on the front of the retina, causing objects to appear blurry in the distance.

Myopia Control

Finding the best treatment for myopia first requires an eye exam. Board-certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will can determine the severity of your myopia. He will suggest a clear pathway to regain clear vision from solutions as simple as wearing glasses to wavefront-guided refractive eye surgery. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the patient can avoid poor eyesight at school or work.

Glasses

Glasses are the most popular solution for nearsighted patients. It allows them to see objects in the distance with clarity. For our older patients who suffer from presbyopia, glasses may be multi-focal, offering correction for reading and distance built into the same set of lenses.

However, they may cause a collection of aggravations. These include physical discomfort on the nose and ears, inconvenience when participating in physical or sporting activities, and fogging in humid conditions. Multi-focal glasses can create a fish-bowl effect that can generate dizziness, difficulty walking, or going up and down the stairs.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are trendy, particularly since the introduction of soft contact lenses that can correct for astigmatism. Unfortunately, many people simply cannot tolerate the insertion or wearing of contact lenses. For others who have successfully used contacts in the past, they can sometimes no longer tolerate them due to the onset of allergies or dry eye. Fortunately, those who cannot wear contact lenses are frequently ideal candidates for advanced Wavefront-Guided Bladeless Lasik.

Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK)

LASIK surgery is a popular, safe, and highly effective option for nearsightedness. Its laser is designed to reshape your cornea, permitting light entering your eye to focus correctly. With today’s advanced technology, most patients are suitable candidates for laser vision correction.

Your specific condition dictates whether surgery can provide the results you want. It’s essential to note LASIK centers that utilize older technologies cannot deliver the best results available.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Will to discuss treatment options for myopia, contact his Vancouver, Washington, Salem, or Portland, Oregon offices today. Call (877) 542-3937 or complete our online contact form.

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Although bladeless is the more recent technique and has become the first choice with many surgeons, it doesn’t mean traditional Lasik is obsolete. Both forms have their pros and cons, and whichever you and your surgeon choose, you should expect an excellent outcome.

What Is Bladeless Lasik?

With so many different technologies and brandings, Bladeless Lasik comes in multiple names, including Intra-Lasik, iLasik, and Z-Lasik.  At Will Vision & Laser Centers, we offer Wavefront Guided Bladed Lasik, Custom Intralasik, and Bladeless Lasik, all performed by board-certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will.

There is much information online about Bladeless Lasik, and if you do some online searching, you will discover that the procedure is defined by the use of a femtosecond laser to create a thin corneal flap.

What is a Bladed Lasik?

Bladed Lasik employs a microkeratome instrument to create the corneal flap. During your consultation, one goal for Dr. Will is to determine which device will be best suited for your eyes. Although many surgeons use only the more advanced bladeless technology, there are actually instances when a microkeratome instrument is a better approach than a femtosecond laser.

Blade vs. Bladeless Lasik Effectiveness

Both types of LASIK are useful for improving vision. The femtosecond laser can generate a slightly enhanced quality of vision with fewer complications, but this is not true for everyone. It is important to know that the best choice for each person depends on various factors, like their general and visual health.

One study suggests bladeless Lasik may be the best choice. By exploring clinical results, researchers have determined that 68 percent of the bladeless patients achieve 20/16 vision on the first day after the procedure. The study concluded that the results remained similar at one-week and one-month after surgery.

Which Treatment is Best For You?

From a medical viewpoint, all Lasik procedures are safe and highly effective. Dr. Will’s objective is to match you with the Lasik technique best suited for your eyes. We believe it’s vital to maintain as many options as possible so we can offer our patients treatments that are customized to their unique circumstances.

A one size fits all solution doesn’t exist with LASIK surgery. It is the purpose of your eye exam and consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for one of our multiple options.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey to better vision, contact Will Vision & Laser Centers today. We’re excited to welcome you into our practice and for you to “See the Difference.”

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Preventing Workplace Injuries

Jobs like manufacturing, construction, welding, or auto repair are at high risk for eye injury. More than two thousand workers in the labor force seek medical attention for eye injury every day in the US.

That may seem worrisome, but the good news is that 90% of these accidents are preventable or could be greatly reduced in severity by wearing safety equipment. If you work in a field that is a high risk for eye injury, you should go to work everyday wearing safety glasses, a face shield, goggles, or a welding helmet.

Office Jobs and Safety

Although office jobs have less risk of eye injury, the work conditions may still be hazardous to your eye health. Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, is the most common eye problem for those who work in an office setting.

The constant eye exposure to a computer screen may not cause permanent damage to your eyes. It can irritate your eyes and make them tired, causing symptoms like neck pain, headaches, back strain, and dry eye.

There are a few ways to combat the problem, including:

• Blink more often
• Use artificial tears liberally
• Drink plenty of water
• Wear blue light glasses for protection
• Schedule eye exams regularly
• Give your eyes regular breaks from the screen

Avoid Direct Sunlight

If you work outside, make sure your eyes are not subjected to harmful UV rays. Constant exposure can have a detrimental consequence on your eyes, like blurred vision and blindness. If possible, wear polarized sunglasses and avoid looking directly into the sun.

Avoid Contaminants

Working around harmful chemicals, whether gas or liquid, can cause serious injury to your eyes. Some pollutants are so strong they can cause impaired vision or blindness instantly. Be careful and wear safety glasses when in areas that contain these contaminants, or avoid them altogether if possible.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

Develop a habit of continually washing your hands at work to ensure anything you pick up is not transferred into your eyes.  This includes particles, dust, and harmful contaminants.

We Can Help

If you deal with eye strain or you need more information about protecting your eyes at work, we can help. Just call Will Vision and Laser Centers for a consultation. We can answer your questions and allow you to work without the fear of damaging your eye health.

Schedule a virtual consultation, or call Will Vision at (877) 542-3937 to learn more.

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Dry eye leads to computer eye strain, and computer eye strain can make dry eyes worse. Let us help you break this endless cycle of ocular discomfort. We’re sharing our tips for avoiding dry eyes and eye strain when using electronic devices. 

Need more help? Call Will Vision and Laser Centers at 877-542-3937 to schedule a consultation with our acclaimed refractive surgeon Dr. Brian Will.

How Computer Use Worsens Dry Eye Symptoms

Staring at a screen isn’t just a catchy phrase for computer use; it’s what actually happens when you’re using an electronic device. All that staring means that you blink less often, and less blinking leads to drier eyes. 

Blinking is a natural process that cleanses and hydrates the eyes. Each time your eyes shut, protective substances wash over the eye, clearing away dust and providing lubrication and hydration. The average person blinks about 15 times a minute. When using a computer or other electronic device, that rate is cut in half.

If you already have dry eyes, computer use can worsen your symptoms. Likewise, if you use a computer often, you’re more likely to experience dry eyes.

Reducing Eye Strain and Dry Eye When Using the Computer

How can you reduce dry eye symptoms in our modern world? We have a few simple tricks that can provide dramatic relief. If your symptoms persist after trying these DIY solutions, come in for a visit to explore treatment options. 

• Consciously Blink- When using a computer or other screen, the frequency of your automatic blinking is reduced. You can offset this by consciously blinking on occasion. When you think about it, take a quick pause in your work and blink. 
• Practice the 20-20-20 Rule- The 20-20-20 rule is an easy way to refresh the eyes during periods of high strain. Set a timer for 20 minutes when using the computer. When it beeps, look away from the screen and focus your gaze on something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Repeat every 20 minutes. 
• Use Warm Compresses- A warm, wet compress can remoisturize the eyes and helps to release oil from the glands in the eyelids, improving the quality of your tears. 
• Reduce Allergens- Smoke, dust, and pollution can irritate the eyes. Avoid smoking and areas where others smoke. If you live in a high-pollution area, consider using an air purifier to improve the air quality in your space. 
• Eat Fish- Are you getting plenty of Omega-3s? Eating fatty fish, like tuna and salmon, may reduce dry eye symptoms in some patients. 
• Try Eye Drops- Artificial tears are available over-the-counter and can be used to supplement your body’s tear production. Thicker lubricating gels are also available, but typically these are best used right before bed, as they can temporarily blur vision. 
• Turn Off the Fan- Do you have a fan at your desk? Moving air can dry the eyes. Fans can exacerbate dry eye symptoms when using a computer. Turn off the fan, and if your dry eye symptoms are severe, consider adding a small humidifier to your workspace. 
• Visit Your Doctor- Dealing with dry eye and computer eye strain isn’t something you have to DIY. Treatment options are available. We use MiBo ThermoFlo® and LipiFlow® systems to relieve dry eye and bring our patients lasting relief. Come see Dr. Will to explore your treatment options for dry eye in the Pacific Northwest. 

Schedule your consultation at Will Vision and Laser Centers by calling 877-542-3937. We have office locations in both Salem, OR and Vancouver, WA.

The post How Chronic Dry Eye Sufferers Avoid Computer Eye Strain appeared first on Will Vision.

When your eyes lose moisture and become dry, they are prone to many problems. Dehydration may cause irritation, redness, itching, eye strain and make you feel and look tired. The best way to combat these effects is to keep yourself and your eyes well hydrated.

Your eyes are important not only because they provide a window to the world but they also are an integral part of how you look. They are the focal point for people when you engage in conversation. Red and bloodshot eyes may cause you to look tired and worn. That can also make your entire demeanor less attractive. Finally, they can also cause significant discomfort with constant itching and burning.

Many factors contribute to dry eyes including airborne dust, pollution, seasonal pollen and not hydrating properly. Therefore, it’s important to hydrate regularly to avoid the discomfort of dryness and irritation and have your eyes look clear and focused as you interact with friends and coworkers.

Effects of Dehydration

If our bodies are dehydrated it can cause various problems with your health including negatively impacting your kidney, heart and brain functions.  This same dehydration may have a similarly negative impact on your eyes. With improper hydration, our eyes struggle to provide enough tears for natural lubrication. This may lead to dry eye, eye strain or vision problems.

Dry Eye

Our eyes need proper lubrication for clear vision and our natural tears keep our eyes moist, they flush out the dirt and dust and reduce the risk of any infection. Symptoms of dry eye include irritation and blurred vision.

Eye Strain

Another concern when your eyes are dehydrated is eye strain. This is particularly common when focusing on electronic equipment like iPads, tablets, computers or cell phones because the rate of eye blinking is cut in half when we are concentrating on near tasks. With fewer blinks, the tear film will become unstable and the vision blurred.  Blurred vision, headaches, double vision, and eye fatigue are common symptoms of eye strain associated with prolonged reading or use of electronic devices.

Relationship Between Eye Health and Hydration

When we focus on keeping our eyes lubricated and moist, we see improvements in vision and the abovementioned symptoms of dehydration. Here are some things you can do to improve your eye health:

Lubrication

When you focus on one thing (like a computer screen or a windshield while driving) for a prolonged period your eyes will become exposed to the atmosphere for too long and your tear film becomes unstable. Take breaks and blink your eyes to force the glands in the lids to produce more lubricating oils and tears and use drops to lubricate them every two hours.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water to keep eyes and skin hydrated will help with your overall health. We should be consuming at least 64 oz of water daily to stay hydrated and allow the body to supply moisture to your eyes. Also, natural tears will cleanse the eyes from dirt and other foreign objects which can cause irritation.

Keep Tear Glands Open

Tear glands located in the eye and on the eyelid bring moisture and lubrication to the eyes. When clogged with oily secretions or closed with eye makeup, dirt or dust, tear glands cannot do their job, and your eyes will suffer. Cleaning your eyes with an eyewash, saline solution or cleansing lid scrub or foam will open these glands to make sure they operate correctly to keep your eyes lubricated.

Avoid Allergic Foods

Dry eye may be due to specific allergies to some foods. These allergies may cause your eyes to become swollen, inflamed and even. Understanding which foods have this effect and avoiding them will ensure your eyes stay moist, fresh and happy.

To learn more about eye health and lubrication, or how we help our patient attain and maintain excellent vision Call us at (877) 542-3937 or Contact Us Today!

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• Less cell injury and cell death.
• Less disorganization of the collagen structure.
• Smoother Lasik surfaces.

The post No More Dry Eye After LASIK appeared first on Will Vision.

Tears are essential for good eye health. They lubricate and clean the eye with each and every blink. Unfortunately, some people develop a condition known as dry eye where they lack sufficient tears or have poor quality tears. This can leave the eyes feeling irritated, gritty, or burning. Left untreated, dry eyes can lead to damage to the surface of the eye and vision problems.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eyes can be a chronic condition and may develop for many reasons including:

• Age– Dry eye becomes more common as you get older. Most patients over 65 have some signs of dry eye.
• Gender– Women are more likely to develop dry eye.
• Medications
• Medical Conditions– Some medical conditions may contribute to dry eyes. These conditions include thyroid problems and diabetes, among others. Problems with the eyelids may also cause dry eye to develop.
• Environmental Conditions– Smoke, wind, and dry weather can dry the eyes. Many people that work with computers regularly, don’t blink as often; pay attention to your blinking when using electronic devices.
• Contact Lenses– Long term contact lens use can lead to dry eyes.
• LASIK– Some patients develop dry eye after LASIK surgery.
• What Can I Do About Dry Eye?

If you have dry eyes, see your eye doctor and get help. Proper treatment can bring you relief and help you limit damage to the eye and potential vision loss. One of the most common treatments for dry eye is the use of artificial tears. These solutions are applied to the eye as needed to supplement tear production. Your eye doctor can help you find an appropriate tear solution and teach you how to use it properly for treating dry eye.

If artificial tears don’t remedy the problem, you may need more advanced treatments. Your eye doctor can explain your options and help you find the right treatments for your eyes.

LASIK and Dry Eye- What’s the Link?

You may have heard that dry eye is a potential complication following LASIK surgery. This usually peaks in the first few months and improves beginning about 6-12 months after surgery. Dry eye is one of the most common complications after LASIK surgery.

No one wants to experience dry eye after LASIK. At Will Vision & Laser Centers, we find that our patients experience low rates of this condition. We rarely see dry eye after LASIK. Here’s why:

• Advanced Laser Technology– We use some of the newest LASIK technologies available. Newer technology and lots of experience leads to better results for our patients.
• Less Cell Injury and Death– Post-LASIK dry eye is often caused by corneal irritation. Creating a corneal flap disrupts the nerves in the eyes, the same nerves that are responsible for monitoring eye irritation and dryness. These nerves can heal quickly, but dead cells near the flap interface can slow the process. We use the least amount of laser energy possible to minimize cell death. This helps your nerves to heal quickly after LASIK and reduces the likelihood of dry eye.
• Less Disorganization of the Collagen Structure– Bladeless LASIK paired with low levels of laser energy leads to less disorganization of the collagen structure in the eye. This helps you nerves to heal quickly, reducing the occurrence of dry eye.
• Smoother LASIK Surfaces– Smooth flaps and LASIK surfaces are essential. The neuronal growth cone is unable to cross gaps, even very small ones. A smooth LASIK surface reduces gaps and allows for easier and faster nerve regeneration.

Call us today and schedule your Dry Eye Treatment consultation at Will Vision. Our advanced technologies will help you avoid dry eye after LASIK surgery.

The post What Is Dry Eye? appeared first on Will Vision.

How Does the Dry Eye Spa Treat Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes are often caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction. This gland adds oil to the tears, helping to lubricate and hydrate the eyes. If the gland is blocked, it can reduce tear quality, leading to dry eyes. At our Dry Eye Spa, we use a special device known as MiBoFlo Thermoflo to treat dry eye caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction. The device uses heat to liquefy hardened oil secretions and to improve glandular function.

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