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.”

The post 10 Warning Signs of Age-Related Eye Problems appeared first on Will Vision.

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.

The post Myopia: Is There A Cure for Nearsightedness? appeared first on Will Vision.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic forced people worldwide to adapt rapidly, and changed the way many of us work. You may now be noticing eye strain caused by extra time in front of digital screens. Between Zoom conferences, working at home, and scrolling through social media feeds, your eyes are absorbing a lot of blue light that can negatively affect your vision.

Here are some helpful hints to follow to reduce eye strain to help you preserve your vision and eye health.

1. Give Your Eyes a Break

In an office setting, you have several daily opportunities to step away from the screen, and you should continue doing so at home. We suggest implementing the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes in front of your computer or tablet, pause and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Also, set a timer each hour to get up and stretch, perhaps do calisthenics, or pet your dog or cat. Go for a brief walk to remind yourself there’s life beyond your computer screen.

2. Blink

People usually blink 15 to 20 times per minute. However, while staring at a glowing object, your blinking reduces to five to seven during the same timeframe.

Blinking keeps your eyes moist and washes out irritating debris. So, while working on your computer, clearing emails on your phone, or relaxing while reading your social media, blink. We promise you won’t miss anything.

3. Adjust Your Screen Display Settings

It’s possible to adjust the settings on many computers, tablets, and smartphones to be easier on your eyes. Keep the screen the same brightness for your work, not too dark or bright. The same holds true for tablets and cellphones with a darker mode to show white letters reversed out of a black background. This setting is easier on the eyes.

You can also increase text size, so your eyes won’t strain to read. Also, wearing coated glasses while in front of your screen minimizes blue light’s effects, which leads us to our next tip.

4. Buy Glasses That Block Blue Light

You can purchase reading glasses with a unique coating to block harmful blue light emitted by your digital screens. These glasses also come in prescription strength.

5. Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Regular eye exams are an excellent way to relieve digital eye strain symptoms and check your eyes’ overall health. Screen time might not be the reason for your headaches or blurry vision. You may need an updated prescription for glasses or contacts.

Also, eye strain may be because of weak eyes causing poor vision. There are multiple eye procedures to resolve these issues, like LASIK, Karma, and treatment for nearsightedness.

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.”

The post Simple Ways to Reduce Computer Eye Strain appeared first on Will Vision.

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.”

The post Bladed vs. Bladeless Lasik appeared first on Will Vision.

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.

The post Protecting Your Eye Health While You Work appeared first on Will Vision.

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.

In our modern world, screens are a big part of reality. Want to check the weather? Pull up an app. Looking for a night out? Head to the theater and gaze at a screen. Need to take a photo? Grab your phone. We use screens every day, and often every hour to complete our daily tasks. You’re not going to escape screens, so let’s learn how to limit their impact on our vision. Does screen usage affect vision?

Computer Vision Syndrome- What Is It and How Does It Affect the Eyes?

Computer and screen use can negatively affect the eyes. Computer vision syndrome is the term used to describe any eye problems that result from extensive computer use. It is also known as digital eye strain.  Computer vision syndrome isn’t one particular eye problem and includes many potential symptoms like:

• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Dry eyes
• Redness
• Headaches
• Eye irritation
• Neck and shoulder pain

These symptoms often manifest after an extended period of using a computer. The problem often becomes more pronounced in older patients. You may also experience additional eye strain if you have glasses and do not use them or if you have an incorrect prescription for computer usage.

Why do computers cause eye strain? Simply put, looking at something on a computer is very different from seeing the same material on a printed page. Letters may not be as sharp or defined and viewing distances are different. Additionally, poor lighting, bad posture, and glare, all common with computer usage, can make eye strain worse.

Can Computer Vision Syndrome Cause Long-Term Vision Problems?

The jury’s still out on whether computers can cause long-term vision problems, but for your everyday comfort, this condition deserves some attention. We know that computer use can cause strain and discomfort. Talk with your eye doctor about your options for reducing eye strain when using the computer.

What Can I Do about Computer Vision Syndrome?

There are some simple steps you can take to reduce eye strain when using the computer.

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule- If you use a computer often, the American Optometric Association recommends following the 20-20-20 rule to reduce computer related eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule only takes a few seconds to implement and can dramatically increase your comfort when using screens. The rule is simple: take a 20 second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away. When was the last time you gave your eyes a computer break?
• Properly Treat Vision Problems- Nearsightedness and farsightedness can increase eye strain. If you have glasses or contacts, wear them as directed when using the computer. Visit your eye doctor often to make sure you have an appropriate prescription for your vision.
• Avoid Glare- Reduce glare and increase contrast on your computer monitor. Proper lighting can also help you to see clearly when using the computer.
• Blink Often- When using screens, we blink less often, leading to dry eye. As you use the computer, focus on blinking. If you have dry eye, you may need to use eye drops to restore your eye’s proper moisture balance.

Could LASIK Surgery Reduce Your Computer-Related Eye Strain?

Many people don’t think of LASIK surgery as a treatment for computer vision syndrome, but it can dramatically reduce the symptoms in some patients. Correcting vision problems can reduce eye strain when using the computer and LASIK surgery is an effective option for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Since LASIK changes the shape of the eye, glasses and contacts often aren’t needed. This makes LASIK surgery a great option for patients that use the computer, but don’t faithfully use their glasses or contacts. We’ve seen many patients experience a reduction in computer related eye strain after LASIK surgery.

Eye Strain in Older Patients

Computer related eye strain often gets worse in patients over 40. As you get older, your eyes change. One notable change is in the flexibility of the lens, the part of the eye that helps with focusing. This condition is known as presbyopia and affects all adults eventually. Reading glasses can help treat presbyopia, but many patients don’t like to use them.

Computers and other screens are an essential part of our technological lifestyles, and with a little extra care, we can protect our vision while using them. To learn more about LASIK surgery or the KAMRA inlay, call our offices and schedule a one-on-one consultation.

The post Does Screen Usage Affect Vision? appeared first on Will Vision.

“Don’t sit too close to the TV, you’ll ruin your eyes.” We’ve all been told a time or two that sitting too close to the TV can ruin vision. Does it really? How close is too close to the TV? Find out below.

Does Sitting Close to the TV Damage Your Vision?

When you watch TV, sit where you like, close or far. Although you’ve probably heard that sitting too close to a TV can damage your eyes, this isn’t based in science or reality. The truth is, you can sit close to the TV without any permanent eye damage. Sitting close to the TV isn’t dangerous to your health or your vision.
If your child is sitting close to the TV, this could be a sign of a vision problem. Often children with nearsightedness sit close to TVs and computers, or hold books right in front of their eyes. If you see your child struggling to see, take them to an eye doctor and get their vision checked. The TV didn’t cause the damage, but it may help you to discover the problem and get your child the help they need.

Do TVs Cause Eye Strain?

Although TVs don’t cause permanent eye damage, they can cause eye strain, a common condition that can lead to eye pain, blurry vision, and headaches. Eye strain often occurs after too much screen time, but is more frequent when you’re sitting close to the TV or watching from an odd angle. Eye strain can be irritating, but don’t worry, it’s only temporary.
If you do get eye strain, the treatment is simple. Most eye doctors recommend resting the eyes. Turn off the TV, step away from the computer, and let your eyes rest. The problem should resolve within a few hours or after a good night’s sleep.

My Vision Is Declining. What Can I Do?

If you’ve experienced changes in your vision, come see us. The problem isn’t your TV, but odds are, it’s very treatable. We can treat virtually all patients with near or farsightedness and astigmatism. Imagine the freedom of being able to enjoy life without the need for glasses or corrective lenses! If your vision isn’t where it should be, don’t blame your TV. Come and get state-of-the-art Lasik instead.

Contact us today and discover your best vision.

The post How Close Is Too Close to the TV? appeared first on Will Vision.