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.

Have you been told that you have myopia? Many patients hear the term and worry that they have a serious eye problem and are no longer a candidate for LASIK surgery. Myopia may sound scary, but it’s a complicated word with a simple definition. If you have myopia, you are nearsighted. This is the most common refractive error of the eye and is easily treated with LASIK surgery. Come see us at Will Vision & Laser Centers and treat your myopia. With LASIK surgery, you can enjoy clearer vision without glasses or contacts.

LASIK and Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved. This causes focusing problems with the light entering the eye. With nearsightedness, distant objects look blurry. Myopia is very common and affects approximately 30% of the population in the U.S.

LASIK surgery corrects refractive errors, or problems with focusing light. A laser is used to reshape the cornea, changing its focusing power and improving the eye’s ability to focus light and see clearly. LASIK surgery is an excellent treatment option for myopia, hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia, and astigmatism.

Do I Have Myopia?

If you’ve been told that you are nearsighted, you have myopia. Nearsightedness can vary in severity. Some patients can see well up close, but struggle to focus on objects that are far in the distance. Other patients can only focus on things that are a few inches from their face. You may have myopia if close objects are clear and distant objects appear blurred. Myopia can be treated with glasses, contacts, or LASIK surgery.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

If you use glasses or contacts, you are likely a good candidate for LASIK surgery.  At Will Vision & Laser Centers, we use only the most advanced technologies available. This allows us to treat many vision problems including high degrees of nearsightedness and farsightedness. We have successfully treated many patients that were told that they weren’t good candidates for LASIK elsewhere. Our goal is to dramatically improve your vision and we accept nothing less than your 100% satisfaction with your vision and experience. Come see and we’ll help you determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK.

The post Can I Get LASIK if I Have Myopia? appeared first on Will Vision.

Summer means lounging by the pool, but what if you’ve just had LASIK? Can you swim after LASIK? How long do you need to stay out of the water? Find out answers to your biggest post-LASIK swimming questions below. Can you have LASIK and a summer of swimming too?

Swimming and Glasses- It Isn’t Always Fun in the Sun

Glasses and contacts can ruin a good day at the beach. You need your glasses to see, but they can make getting in the water and enjoying water activities very difficult. Swimming laps in glasses just doesn’t work. Contacts aren’t any better. It can be dangerous to swim with contacts in, in rare cases causing lasting vision loss or blindness. Swimming and playing in the water will be much easier and more comfortable after LASIK surgery.

Water Restrictions After LASIK

After LASIK you’ll have a few water restrictions during the healing process. This helps to ensure you heal properly and avoid complications. We’ll discuss these in-depth before surgery so you know what to expect. The amount of time you’ll need to stay out of the water varies, depending on the type of activity. Here’s a basic guide to some of the top water restrictions after LASIK. Get in touch with any questions you may have.

• Showers and Baths- You can shower and bathe the day after your LASIK procedure. Be very careful to avoid getting soap or shampoo in the eyes until you’ve fully healed.
• Swimming Pools– Stay out of swimming pools for 1-2 weeks after LASIK. Use goggles and avoid opening your eyes under water for about a month. The chlorinated water can dry the eyes out and lead to irritation.
• Hot Tubs– Avoid hot tubs for about 2 weeks after LASIK.
• Oceans/Lakes- Ocean and lake water may contain pathogens, leading to a slightly higher risk of infection after LASIK. Give yourself at least 2+ weeks before swimming in oceans, lakes, or rivers. Be careful when participating in high-impact water activities like water skiing and surfing. We recommend waiting until at least 3 weeks post-surgery and wearing appropriate eye protection.

After LASIK, summer swimming is going to be a lot more fun. You may have to miss a week or two at the beach this summer, but a lifetime of better vision is worth it. We offer many advanced vision correction solutions including Bladeless LASIK, and advanced corneal inlays. Contact us to schedule your LASIK consultation.

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Glasses or LASIK? If you ask us, hands down, LASIK wins every time. Don’t take our word for it though. Compare the two and see which option is best for you. If LASIK wins, give us a call and schedule your consultation at Will Vision & Laser Centers. We are the premier provider of refractive surgery in the Pacific Northwest and can correct many vision problems including astigmatism and high degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness.

The Pros and Cons of Glasses

Glasses are one of the most common options for correcting vision. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of this popular option.

• Easy to Use- Just put them on and they start working.
• Many Types and Styles- Choose the type and style of glasses that best meet your needs and personality. Tons of variety is available.
• Most People Can Use Them– Glasses can be used by almost anyone, adults, children, and even infants.
• Can be Used Intermittently– Glasses can be out on and taken off as needed. Use them only when you need them.
• Difficult to Exercise– Glasses can complicate exercise. They easily fall off, can’t be used during some activities (like swimming), and may get sweaty.
• Irritating in Bad Weather– Rain, snow, and dust are frustrating in glasses.
• Can’t See Without Them- Glasses are very effective when you have them on, but take them off to go to bed, swim, or shower and you’ll no longer have vision correction. Glasses only work when you’re wearing them.
• Affordable- Glasses can be very affordable. Depending on your degree of needed correction, you can get a pair for under $100. A prescription is needed and lasts for two years.

The Pros and Cons of LASIK

LASIK surgery reshapes the eye to improve vision. Changing the eyes shape allows the cornea to better focus light. It has been FDA-approved since 1995. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of LASIK surgery.

• No Glasses or Contacts- Will can completely correct vision in many patients, permanently eliminating the need for glasses and contacts. Many patients see better after surgery than they did before using glasses.
• Quick Procedure– The LASIK procedure typically takes just a few minutes, start to finish. Dr. Will has performed over 65,000 successful laser vision procedures.
• Minimal Side Effects- Many patients experience few, if any side effects, after surgery. We’ll discuss potential side effects in depth during your consultation.
• Lasting Results- LASIK results are long lasting. Come in for the procedure once and you may enjoy a lifetime of results. Some patients need occasional touch-up treatments.
• Many Options Available- We offer many types of LASIK surgery including bladeless LASIK. We’ll help you find the right treatment for your vision difficulties.
• Initial Investment- LASIK requires an initial investment, but most patients find their results are worth the cost. Financing options are available to help LASIK be more affordable for everyone.

Glasses or LASIK- Which Option Is Best for You?

Glasses or LASIK? If you’re tired of the hassle of glasses and contacts, come see us. LASIK surgery may be able to help you lose the glasses and discover better vision. We are able to treat many patients that have been told they aren’t candidate for LASIK at other facilities. Call us today and schedule your consultation.

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If you’ve tried exercising with glasses, you know the experience can be unpleasant. Sweaty lenses, frames that fall off your nose while you run, and trying to lift weights when you can’t see are just a few of the many problems glasses wearers experience at the gym. What can you do? These tips will help you exercise comfortably, even if you don’t have perfect vision.

Invest in Good Frames

Quality, properly fitted frames are a must if you’re going to wear glasses while you exercise. If your glasses are always falling off, go see your optician and get your frames adjusted. Special running sunglasses or prescription swim goggles can make a big difference in your ability to see and exercise. However, even with the best frames, you’ll have the hassles of glasses, including foggy lenses and difficulty doing some movements.

Consider a Strap

Many people use a strap to hold their glasses in place while exercising. This can help glasses to stay on as your run or lift weights.

Use Contacts

Many people opt for contacts during exercise. This eliminates many of the hassles of glasses use, but isn’t right for every patient. Some people have trouble wearing contacts due to eye irritation or frequent infections. Contacts are also not recommended when participating in water sports like swimming, due to an increased risk of infection and exposure to microorganisms, and even potential for blindness.

Try a Sweatband

If sweat on your glasses is your biggest exercise complaint, try a sweat band. This can dramatically reduce the amount of sweat that comes in contact with your glasses. They certainly aren’t pretty, but they can be very effective.

Fix Your Vision and Ditch Your Glasses

If you hate exercising with your glasses, try it without them. LASIK surgery can help you to lose the glasses and contacts, not just when exercising, but all the time. Dr. Will is a leading refractive surgeon and has helped many patients to correct their vision with LASIK surgery, including those with an astigmatism or very high degrees of nearsightedness or farsightedness. Many patients discover a new love for exercise when they can finally do it without the hassle of glasses.

Call us today and explore your options for LASIK surgery. Exercise while wearing glasses is miserable, even if you follow every tip on this list. Ditch your glasses!

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Make your Father’s Day dreams come true this year and treat yourself to better vision. With LASIK, you can ditch those annoying glasses and contacts and discover your best vision. Dr. Will is a leading refractive surgeon, one of the best in the Pacific Northwest. We offer the best-of-the-best technologies in LASIK vision correction including Bladeless LASIK. Call today and schedule your consultation at Will Vision & Laser Centers.

Be a Better Dad Without Glasses

Fatherhood is full of challenges, but struggling with glasses doesn’t have to be one of them. Many of our patients find they are better able to enjoy life without the hassle of glasses or contacts. How can LASIK make you a better dad? You’ll discover your own benefits, but here are a few patient favorites.

• Swim– Water activities are difficult with glasses or contacts. Get LASIK and enjoy time in the pool with your kids.
• Play– Run, jump, and wrestle without worry about glasses.
• No More Sticky Fingers– Children and grandchildren love touching glasses with sticky fingers. With LASIK you can always see clearly, no need to clean your glasses.
• Exercise– Be active with your kids, big or small. Easier exercise means a healthier lifestyle. No more sweaty lenses!

I’ve Been Told I Can’t Have LASIK

If you’ve been told you’re not a good candidate for LASIK, don’t give up on your dreams. Dr. Will has successfully corrected vision for many patients that were told LASIK wasn’t possible at other practices. We use some of the most advanced LASIK technologies and have extensive experience performing refractive surgery. We can correct many vision conditions including astigmatism and high levels or nearsightedness or farsightedness. Before you give up on LASIK, come see Dr. Will.

I Want LASIK for Father’s Day. Can I Afford It?

Consider LASIK an investment in your quality of life. Yes, it will cost up front, but it is difficult to put a price tag on freedom from glasses and contacts. Financing options are available and many people find that LASIK is more achievable and more affordable than they previously imagined. If you’re interested in LASIK, come meet with us and explore your options. Most of our patients wish they’d come in for LASIK sooner.

Give yourself the gift of better vision this Father’s Day. Call and schedule your LASIK consultation with Dr. Will.

The post Ditch the “Dad Glasses” and Get LASIK for Father’s Day appeared first on Will Vision.

What qualities should you look for in a LASIK surgeon? Price? Convenient location? Popularity? These qualities are big selling points for many people, but they shouldn’t be the primary factors guiding your LASIK decision. Learn how to choose a LASIK surgeon below.

What Qualifications Should I Look for in a LASIK Surgeon?

Choosing a LASIK surgeon is a big decision, one with lasting effects on your vision. How do you choose the right surgeon? We encourage patients to take their time investigating potential surgeons. Look for the following qualifications.
• Experience- It takes time and practice to hone the art of refractive surgery. Dr. Will has performed more than 65,000 laser refractive procedures. He has had the opportunity to lecture at every major scientific meeting on laser vision correction and is a respected instructor in the U.S. and throughout the world.
• Proven Technology- Laser technology has come a long way in the last few decades. Top surgeons need to adapt to the changes, bringing the best technology into their practices. We evaluate each technique we use, using peer reviewed studies, and only bring the best options to our patients. As a result, our results are often superior to the level of correction patients could receive using glasses or contacts. We can help many patients that have been told LASIK isn’t possible by other providers.
• Superior Care- We work with each patient, listening to concerns and answering questions. You, the patient, are our priority.
• Patient Education- What do you hope to achieve through LASIK? When you meet with us, we’ll discuss your goals, your concerns, and your questions. We’ll provide you with essential clinical and procedural information so you can make an informed choice about your care.
• Affordability- Don’t choose your LASIK provider based on price alone. Many surgeons offer cheap LASIK, but you get what you pay for. To make LASIK affordable for every patient, we offer 0% financing, payment plans, and one set price for your entire procedure. The price you pay will include all fees and any needed pre or post-operative appointments. If you find any of our advanced vision correction solutions delivered with comparable modern technology at a lower price, let us know and we’ll match it. When you average the cost of your LASIK procedure over the next decade, you’ll be paying less than a dollar a day.
Improve Your Vision with LASIK
If you’re thinking about LASIK, come see Dr. Will, a leading refractive surgeon and one of the best options for LASIK surgery in the Pacific Northwest. Say goodbye to glasses and contacts! Call today.

The post How to Choose a LASIK Surgeon appeared first on Will Vision.

Smoking isn’t good for your body, not for your heart, not for your lungs, and surprisingly to some, not for your eyes. Here’s what you need to know to protect your body, and your eyes, from the deadly effects of cigarettes.

How Does Smoking Harm the Eyes?

Smoking is linked to a leading cause of vision loss, age-related macular degeneration or AMD. It is also a risk-factor for cataracts, a serious vision problem that requires surgery. Protect your eyes by quitting today. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Research suggests that smokers have twice the risk for AMD. It is the leading cause of vision loss in patients over 50. AMD damages the macula, a small spot near the center of the eye that provides clear central vision. As AMD develops, it can lead to a loss of central vision, making everyday tasks difficult or impossible. AMD is not reversible.
H2: What Are the Signs of Macular Degeneration?
AMD is a slow progressing disease, often requiring years before vision loss is extreme. It can progress more quickly in some patients. At first, a blurred area in the central vision is common. Over time this area can grow larger or blank spots your vision may develop. Some patients notice that objects aren’t as bright as the used to be. AMD doesn’t cause complete vision loss, even in its most advanced stages, but can cause patients to lose the ability to read, drive, see faces, etc. Many patients with AMD are legally blind, although they retain some outer vision.

Cataracts

Smokers are 2-3 times more likely to experience cataracts than a non-smoker. Cataracts cause the lens inside of the eye to become cloudy. Just like looking through a dirty window, cataracts can impede vision, causing blurriness. This blurry vision often increases and becomes worse with time. Surgery is the only way to restore vision loss from cataracts.

What Are the Signs of Cataracts?

Cataracts can cause a variety of symptoms including:
• Cloudy vision
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty with night vision
• Light sensitivity
• Halos around lights

What Can I Do to Improve My Eyesight?

If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or other vision problems, come see us. Dr. Will is a leading refractive surgeon and has years of skill and experience in the field. He can help you to explore your options for improving vision and treating common eye problems. Contact us and schedule your consultation with Dr. Will.

The post Is Smoking Bad for Your Eyes? appeared first on Will Vision.

Have you been told that LASIK isn’t possible because of an astigmatism or other vision problem? If you’ve been turned down for LASIK by another refractive surgeon, come see us at Will Vision. We use leading edge technology to provide LASIK to many patients who thought corrective visionsurgery was impossible. Astigmatism, extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness, and presbyopia can all be corrected by LASIK and other corrective techniques.

What Is an Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a big word, but its meaning is relatively simple. If your eye isn’t perfectly round, you have an astigmatism. The eye should be shaped like a basketball, but with an astigmatism, it is shaped more like a football. It is very common and most eyes have some degree of this optical condition. The good news is, it is very treatable.
When a patient has an astigmatism, light is often focused on different optical planes. This can cause blurry vision. Patients with astigmatism often experience blurriness both near and far. It is often found in patients with nearsightedness or farsightedness, compounding the vision difficulties.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

Do you wear glasses or contacts? If so, you’re likely a good candidate for refractive surgery. With the many advances in vision surgery, most everyone can enjoy total freedom from glasses, reading glasses, and contact lenses. If you use corrective lenses, we can probably help you.
You may be a good candidate for vision correction surgery if:
• You Want to See Better- Many patients enjoy vision improvement equal to or greater than the correction they received with corrective lenses.
• You Are Tired of Glasses and Contacts- Ditch those glasses! Many of our patients no longer need glasses or contacts after vision correction surgery.
Stop wondering if you’re a good candidate for LASIK and get answers. By scheduling a free comprehensive consultation with Dr. Will, you can learn about your options. We’ll work together to create a solution that meets your unique needs. LASIK may not be your best option, but we offer many treatments and we’ll find the right fit for you.
Whatever your vision problems, come see us. With our advanced laser treatments, most patients can lose the glasses and discover better sight.

The post Can I Get LASIK if I Have an Astigmatism? 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.