If you’ve been exploring vision correction options, you may have come across Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). This advanced procedure is an excellent choice for individuals who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, especially as they age. But how does RLE relate to cataracts? Understanding the connection between these two procedures can help you make informed decisions about your vision care.

What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?

Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as Clear Lens Exchange (CLE), is a surgical procedure where the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, providing clearer vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

RLE is similar to cataract surgery, but instead of waiting for cataracts to develop, it proactively replaces the natural lens before it becomes cloudy. It is a popular option for individuals over 40 who are experiencing presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision) or who are not candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or high prescriptions.

How RLE Prevents Cataracts

One of the major benefits of undergoing RLE is that it eliminates the possibility of developing cataracts in the future. Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, glare, and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Since RLE replaces the natural lens with a clear artificial lens, there is no risk of cataracts forming later in life.

For patients concerned about age-related vision changes, RLE offers a proactive solution. Not only does it improve your vision immediately, but it also prevents future cataract development, reducing the likelihood of needing additional surgeries as you age.

Is RLE Right for You?

RLE may be an ideal solution for individuals who:

• Are over the age of 40 and experiencing the need for reading glasses (presbyopia)
• Are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
• Are not a candidate for LASIK or PRK due to thin or irregular corneas
• Want to prevent future cataracts

During your consultation, your eye surgeon will evaluate your eye health, discuss your vision goals, and determine whether RLE is the right procedure for you.

Understanding the Procedure

RLE is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. The surgeon will use advanced technology to remove your natural lens and replace it with a customized intraocular lens. Modern IOL options include:

• Advanced Multifocal lenses – Offer clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances
• Advanced Light Adjustable lenses – Provide crisp, clear vision for all distance, near, and intermediate tasks
• Toric lenses – Correct astigmatism while improving vision at all distances
• Monofocal lenses – Provide clear vision at a single distance

The procedure is quick, usually taking about 15 to 20 minutes per eye, with a recovery period of a few days to a few weeks. Most patients experience improved vision almost immediately.

Take the Next Step Toward Clear Vision

If you are considering vision correction and want a long-term solution that prevents cataracts, Refractive Lens Exchange could be the answer. Schedule a consultation with our experienced eye care team to learn more about how RLE can enhance your vision and improve your quality of life.

Clear, cataract-free vision is possible. Take the first step today and discover if RLE is right for you!

The post Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Cataracts: What You Need to Know appeared first on Will Vision.

When it comes to vision correction, LASIK is a well-known and highly effective solution. But not all LASIK procedures are the same. Custom IntraLASIK stands out as a cutting-edge approach that offers unparalleled precision and personalization, delivering better outcomes for many patients.

Understanding Custom IntraLASIK

Custom IntraLASIK uses advanced wavefront-guided technology to map the unique visual imperfections of your eyes. Unlike traditional LASIK, which relies on standard prescriptions, Custom IntraLASIK creates a highly detailed, three-dimensional map of your entire optical system. This map serves as a guide for the laser, ensuring an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific vision needs.

Additionally, Custom IntraLASIK employs a bladeless approach using a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, enhancing safety and accuracy.

Key Benefits of Custom IntraLASIK

1. Enhanced Visual Clarity
   Custom IntraLASIK corrects higher-order aberrations—imperfections that traditional LASIK cannot address. This often results in sharper, clearer vision, especially in challenging conditions like low light.
2. Improved Night Vision
   Many patients report a significant reduction in glare and halos around lights at night, a common concern with traditional (non-wavefront guided) LASIK.
3. Personalized Treatment
   No two eyes are the same, and Custom IntraLASIK ensures your procedure is designed specifically for you. This level of customization often leads to better visual outcomes.
4. Minimized Risk of Complications
   The bladeless technique used in Custom IntraLASIK reduces the chance of complications associated with creating the corneal flap, offering patients greater safety and peace of mind.

Who Is a Candidate for Custom IntraLASIK?

Custom IntraLASIK is an excellent option for individuals with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, especially those with unique corneal shapes or significant higher-order aberrations. A comprehensive eye exam will determine if this advanced procedure is right for you.

Why Choose a LASIK Provider Offering Custom IntraLASIK?

Selecting a provider equipped with the latest technology and experienced in Custom IntraLASIK ensures you receive top-tier care. Look for a surgeon with a track record of success and a commitment to personalized patient care.

Take the First Step Toward Clear Vision

Custom IntraLASIK represents a significant leap forward in laser vision correction, combining precision, safety, and personalization. If you’re ready to leave behind glasses or contact lenses, schedule a consultation today to see if Custom IntraLASIK is the right choice for you.

Clearer vision is just a procedure away! Reach out to learn more and begin your journey toward visual freedom.

The post What Is Custom IntraLASIK and Why Should You Consider It? appeared first on Will Vision.

LASIK is one of the most popular and effective procedures for correcting common vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. A key component of this procedure is the excimer laser, a highly specialized tool that reshapes the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. In recent years, advances in excimer laser technology have improved the precision, safety, and outcomes of LASIK surgery, making it an even more attractive option for patients seeking freedom from glasses or contact lenses.

What is an Excimer Laser?

The excimer laser is a type of ultraviolet laser that emits short, controlled bursts of light. These bursts are highly accurate and can remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue without causing heat damage to surrounding tissues. The word “excimer” comes from “excited dimer,” referring to the molecular mechanism that generates the laser light.

Unlike other lasers, excimer lasers work at a specific wavelength that allows them to precisely target the corneal tissue. This unique characteristic enables LASIK providers to reshape the cornea with remarkable precision, improving the patient’s vision by adjusting how light enters the eye.

How Advanced Excimer Lasers Have Revolutionized LASIK

Wavefront-Guided LASIK

One of the most significant advancements in excimer laser technology is the introduction of wavefront-guided LASIK. Traditional LASIK procedures use manual subjective measurements of the eye’s refractive errors to guide the laser, but wavefront technology goes a step further. It maps the eye’s entire optical system objectively with 25 times the precision of manual methods, thereby, taking into account even tiny imperfections that adversely affect vision quality. If untreated, these subtle distortions can affect visual clarity, especially at night or in low-light conditions. With wavefront-guided LASIK, the excimer laser is able to create a highly customized treatment plan for each patient, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing visual outcomes.

Flying Spot Lasers and Eye-Tracking Systems

Another key development in excimer laser technology is the incorporation of flying spot lasers, which use smaller laser pulses to treat the cornea in a more controlled and efficient manner. These lasers are often paired with sophisticated eye-tracking systems that monitor the patient’s eye movement in real-time. This ensures that the laser is always targeting the correct area, even if the patient’s eye moves slightly during the procedure. These innovations enhance both the precision and safety of LASIK surgery, making it possible to treat a wider range of vision problems.

Reduced Healing Time and Improved Comfort

Excimer lasers have also improved the overall patient experience by reducing healing times and minimizing discomfort. With earlier forms of LASIK, patients might experience dry eyes, halos, or glare during recovery. However, advanced excimer lasers allow for smoother corneal reshaping, leading to faster recovery and fewer postoperative symptoms. Patients typically experience sharper vision within 24 to 48 hours after surgery and can return to their normal activities within a few days.

The Future of Excimer Lasers in LASIK Surgery

The field of laser eye surgery is constantly evolving, and excimer lasers continue to play a pivotal role in advancing LASIK technology. Researchers are working on even more precise ways to correct vision, including integrating excimer lasers with other technologies, such as femtosecond lasers, which are used to create the corneal flap during the first step of the procedure. These advances are likely to further reduce risks, enhance safety, and expand LASIK’s capabilities.

Clear Vision Awaits—Schedule Your LASIK Consultation Today!

Advanced excimer lasers have revolutionized LASIK surgery, providing patients with safer, more accurate, and more comfortable vision correction options. With innovations like wavefront-guided LASIK, flying spot lasers, and eye-tracking systems, patients are experiencing better visual outcomes and shorter recovery times. As technology continues to improve, excimer lasers will remain at the forefront of vision correction surgery, offering patients a highly effective solution for achieving clearer vision.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to glasses and contacts and hello to clearer vision, contact us today to schedule your free consultation! Our expert team is ready to assess your suitability for LASIK surgery, and answer all of your questions about the process and what you can expect for your outcome.

The post Understanding Advanced Excimer Lasers in LASIK Surgery appeared first on Will Vision.

If you’re considering vision correction, you’ve likely heard about LASIK. However, for some individuals, particularly those over 50 or with certain eye conditions, LASIK may not be the best option. Enter Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), an advanced procedure offering a permanent solution to a range of vision problems. And with the introduction of the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), RLE is now more customizable than ever before.

What is Refractive Lens Exchange?

Refractive Lens Exchange, also known as Clear Lens Extraction or Lens Replacement Surgery, is a procedure designed to correct vision by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is similar to cataract surgery, but it’s performed primarily to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses rather than to remove a cloudy lens.

RLE is an excellent option for those with age related loss of near vision, farsightedness, or for patients who aren’t good candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or other eye conditions. By replacing the natural lens, RLE can correct vision issues at multiple distances, providing clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

The Light Adjustable Lens: Customization at Its Best

One of the most exciting advancements in RLE is the availability of the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). Unlike traditional IOLs, which are set to a specific power during surgery, the LAL allows for postoperative adjustments. This means your vision can be finetuned after the surgery to achieve the most precise correction possible.

Here’s how it works: During the RLE procedure, the LAL is implanted just like a standard IOL. However, once your eyes have healed, you’ll undergo a series of light treatments in your surgeon’s office. These treatments involve noninvasive UV light to adjust the lens, allowing your surgeon to tweak your vision until it’s just right. The process typically involves a few light treatments over several weeks, followed by a final locking procedure to set the lens.

Benefits of RLE with Light Adjustable Lens

Tailored Vision Correction

The ability to adjust the lens after surgery ensures that you achieve the clearest vision possible, tailored to your specific needs.

Reduced Dependence on Glasses

Whether you struggle with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, RLE with LAL can significantly reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contacts, including readers.

Permanent Solution

Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea, RLE replaces the natural lens entirely, providing a long lasting solution to vision problems.

Prevention of Cataracts

Since the natural lens is removed during RLE, the possibility of developing cataracts in the future is eliminated.

Is RLE with Light Adjustable Lens Right for You?

RLE with the Light Adjustable Lens is an excellent option for those seeking a permanent and customizable vision correction solution, especially if you’re over 50 or have certain eye conditions that make you a less than ideal candidate for LASIK. However, the best way to determine if this procedure is right for you is through a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with a qualified eye surgeon.

At our clinic, we’re dedicated to providing the most advanced vision correction options available. If you’re interested in learning more about RLE with the Light Adjustable Lens, schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward clearer, sharper vision. Your journey to optimal vision starts here.

The post Refractive Lens Exchange Using Light Adjustable Lens Technology: A New Frontier in Vision Correction appeared first on Will Vision.

The post Does My Eyeglass Prescription Qualify for LASIK? 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.”

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.

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.

Do you have LASIK questions? Many people do. We’re answering some of our most frequently asked questions below. Don’t see yours on the list? We would love to meet with you in person to answer your questions and provide personalized treatment advice. Call us today and schedule your LASIK consultation at Will Vision & Laser Centers.

What Is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery is a type of refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. There are many types of LASIK including Bladeless LASIK, Wavefront LASIK, Lifestyle LASIK, etc.

Will I Have Perfect Vision After LASIK?

We can’t guarantee a specific result after LASIK surgery, but most of our patients experience a dramatic improvement in their vision after treatment. Many patients see better after LASIK than they did before, even when they were wearing glasses or contacts. Dr. Will’s advanced skill and expertise as a leading refractive surgeon leads to better results.

Is LASIK Affordable?

LASIK is an investment in your vision. Can you really place a value of good vision? If you average the cost of your procedure over 10 years, LASIK costs less than a dollar a day. We offer payment plans and 0% financing to make LASIK more accessible to our patients.

I’ve Been Told I’m Not a Candidate for LASIK. Why Not?

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for LASIK elsewhere, come see Dr. Will. Our advanced techniques make LASIK possible for more patients. We’ve helped many patients to discover better vision, including those that have been told they aren’t candidates for LASIK by other practices.

Is LASIK Painful?

Most patients experience little to no pain during and after LASIK. During the procedure, you’ll feel pressure as we create the LASIK flap. This takes about 20 seconds and is not considered painful by most patients. We recommend that patients take a nap right after surgery. We’ll provide a sedative to help you relax. There is a slight burning sensation for about three hours after LASIK. If you fall asleep, you won’t experience this discomfort.

What Are the Risks of LASIK?

LASIK has a very high success rate. Like all surgeries, LASIK does have some risks. We will carefully review the risks of LASIK surgery with you prior to your procedure. Some risks include halos, glare, dry eye, flap complications, and over or undercorrection. The risk of these complications is minimal and a skilled LASIK surgeon like Dr. Will can minimize the likelihood that you’ll experience problems after LASIK surgery.

Contact us today to schedule your LASIK consultation with Dr. Will.

The post LASIK FAQs appeared first on Will Vision.

At Will Vision & Laser Centers, we are confident that we offer the best technology to our LASIK patients. We invest in industry-leading systems and instruments that help us plan and perform LASIK surgery safely and effectively. Prospective technology is carefully vetted before we introduce it into our practice.

Here are some of the technologies that make a difference in the quality of your LASIK surgery:

Wavefront CustomVue

Wavefront CustomVue technology is critical to helping us treat complex higher order aberrations. This group of refractive errors, which includes trefoil, coma, tetrafoil, pentafoil, hexafoil and spherical aberrations, causes decreased visual acuity or symptoms like halos or glare around lights at night. They cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses.

The wavefront tracking system takes three-dimensional measurements of how the eye processes images; this information is then used to calibrate the laser that re-shapes the corneal tissue. Wavefront CustomVue technology greatly enhances the precision and accuracy of the LASIK procedure. It helps improve how much our patients can see (based on a 20/20 eye chart) and how well they can see (i.e., fine details become clearer).

VISX Star S4 IR

The VISX Star S4 IR is one of the most dependable excimer lasers used for LASIK surgery. The excimer laser is responsible for reshaping the corneal tissue and correcting the refractive error. We prefer to use the VISX laser platform for many reasons.

Most notably: It is the only system approved by the FDA to be used for wavefront-guided treatment. It produces a smooth corneal surface (which heals faster and results in clearer vision). It allows our LASIK surgeons to track the eye’s movement during the procedure for more control and precision. The VISX laser system makes surgery a shorter and more comfortable procedure, and it lowers the risk of post-operative complications.

Intralase with the iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser

We use the fifth generation of the iFS advanced femtosecond laser to create the LASIK flap in just eight seconds. Creating the flap quickly is optimal for the safety and comfort of the patient. It also uses less laser energy, which is good for the integrity of the cornea.

Visante OCT

Visante optimal coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution images of the cornea and the anterior segment of the eye to help us screen for certain eye conditions like thin corneas or keratoconus. One of the perks of this technology is the fact that it is non-invasive and does not require any contact with the eye.

Pentacam

The Pentacam state-of-the-art micro-imaging technology measures the shape, thickness and contour of the cornea pre- and post-operatively. It accurately captures the measurements of the center of the cornea, which are critical for LASIK planning.

Confocal Microscopy

Confocal microscopy is an expensive and highly specialized type of optical imaging technology only offered by a select group of LASIK practices worldwide. We use the ConfoScan4, which allows us to accomplish several tasks.

First, we can look inside the cornea in extreme detail — in fact, the technology allows us to see individual cells in each layer of the cornea, including the surface layer where the flap is made. This helps us during our pre-operative assessment of corneal health as we determine LASIK candidacy.

Learn More about LASIK Technology

If you have questions about any of the technology we offer, or if you would like to schedule a LASIK consultation with our team, please call or email us today! You can reach our Vancouver office by calling (877) 542-EYES (3937), our Beaverton office at (877) 542-3937 or our Salem office at (877) 542-3937.

The post What’s the Best Technology for LASIK? appeared first on Will Vision.