The idea of having a laser near your eyes can be intimidating. For many, the thought of undergoing LASIK surgery conjures images of discomfort, uncertainty, and risk. However, the reality of LASIK surgery is far more reassuring. Let us help to demystify the process, alleviate common fears, and highlight the transformative benefits of LASIK surgery.

Understanding LASIK Surgery

LASIK is a popular and highly effective procedure used to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The surgery involves reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes for both eyes, and the actual laser time is usually less than a minute per eye. Advances in technology have made LASIK incredibly precise and safe, with high success rates and minimal complications.

Common Fears and Misconceptions

Fear of Pain

One of the most common fears is the anticipation of pain during the procedure. The good news is that LASIK surgery is virtually painless. Before the surgery, numbing eye drops are applied to ensure you do not feel any pain. Some patients might experience slight pressure, but this is generally mild and brief.

Fear of Complications

Concerns about complications are understandable. However, LASIK has a high success rate, with over 95% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. Serious complications are rare, and most side effects, such as dry eyes or temporary visual disturbances, resolve within a few weeks or months.

Fear of the Unknown

The idea of not knowing exactly what will happen during the surgery can be daunting. Educating yourself about the procedure can alleviate much of this fear. Understanding each step of the process, from pre-surgery preparation to post-surgery care, can provide a sense of control and reassurance.

Steps to Overcome a Fear of LASIK

Research and Education

Knowledge is a powerful tool in overcoming fear. Spend time researching LASIK surgery, reading patient testimonials, and learning about the experiences of others. Understanding the process, the technology involved, and the high success rates can help dispel myths and reduce anxiety.

Consult with an Expert

A thorough examination and personalized advice from a professional helps to provide the clarity and confidence patients need to decide if LASIK is right for them. Our process starts with an in-office consultation with our LASIK surgeon. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, express your concerns, and understand if you are a good candidate for the surgery.

Consider the Long-Term Benefits

Focusing on the long-term benefits of LASIK can help shift your perspective from fear to excitement. Imagine waking up every day with clear vision, free from the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. Consider the activities you’ll enjoy without visual aids, such as swimming, playing sports, or traveling. The prospect of improved quality of life can outweigh the temporary discomfort of the procedure

Visualization and Relaxation Techniques

Practicing visualization and relaxation techniques can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Visualize yourself going through the surgery smoothly, feeling relaxed and comfortable. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can also help manage stress and promote a sense of calm.

Steps For the Day of the Surgery

On the day of the surgery, follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. Arrive with a positive mindset and remind yourself of the extensive research, preparation, and professional support you have received. The surgical team will guide you through each step, ensuring your comfort and safety.

The procedure itself is quick, and most patients are surprised by how fast and painless it is. After the surgery, you might experience some mild discomfort or blurry vision, but this typically resolves within a few hours to days.

Post-Surgery Recovery and Beyond

Recovery from LASIK surgery is usually rapid. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops and avoiding activities that might strain your eyes.

As your vision stabilizes, you’ll begin to appreciate the full benefits of the surgery. The freedom from glasses or contact lenses, the convenience, and the enhanced quality of life are rewards that far outweigh the initial fears.

Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back From Better Vision

Overcoming the fear of LASIK surgery is a journey that involves education, professional guidance, and a positive mindset. By understanding the procedure, addressing your concerns, and focusing on the life-changing benefits, you can conquer your fears and embrace the opportunity for clear, unaided vision. LASIK surgery has transformed the lives of millions, and it can do the same for you. Take the first step today and explore the path to a brighter, clearer future.

The post Overcoming a Fear of LASIK Surgery: A Path to Clear Vision appeared first on Will Vision.

Like any inoculation against illness, the COVID-19 vaccination brings potential side effects, but they are different for everyone. These are typically mild and signify your immune system is working hard to recognize the virus, so it can protect you. After a COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot, many people experience soreness around the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, fever, and nausea. These reactions should subside within a few days.

Eye-related symptoms like red, watery, or itchy eyes are rare after a COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, there is no evidence of any vision issues related to the shots.

Skepticism

About 63% of Americans are fully vaccinated, but many others are skeptical about vaccine effectiveness and possible side effects. They question the credibility of the mRNA vaccines, their efficacy, and their safety.

Are There Any Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccines?

It’s inaccurate to say there are no side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, current data shows these concerns lean on factors like the social demographics of the vaccinated.

Vaccination is a way of priming your body to fight the virus if you are exposed to the virus. For the vaccinated people who have experienced side effects, they typically report experiencing flu-like symptoms like:

• Sore arm
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Inflammation of the heart

Post-vaccination aftereffects are generally mild and resolve in one to three days. However, reactions vary from patient to patient.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Your Vision

While COVID-19 vaccines have not warranted concern for eye health and vision, inoculations for other conditions have shown some correlation with eye and vision issues.

Rare Reactions to Johnson & Johnson Vaccination

In rare cases, Johnson & Johnson’s vaccines have resulted in blood clotting, leading to blurry vision. In addition, Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause double vision, may also be a consequence. Reach out to your ophthalmologist immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Eye Problems Connected to Other Vaccines

Though no researchers or patients have reported notable COVID-19 vaccine vision issues, other vaccines like the seasonal flu shot, chickenpox, and measles-mumps-rubella may cause eye-related side effects.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Soreness and pain at the injection area
• Nausea

Chickenpox Vaccine

• Temporary joint pain
• Soreness or rash at the injection site
• Fever

Shingles Vaccine

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Shivers
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Soreness at the injection site

Measles Vaccine

• Scarring of the cornea
• Red and watery eyes
• Retinopathy
• Blindness in children

Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine

• Mild rash
• Fever
• Swollen cheeks
• Joint pain

If you are facing any of the above issues, consult a doctor.

Get Vaccinated and Boosted Today

You can be confident the COVID-19 vaccinations do not trigger any eye-related side effects like double vision, blurred vision, or any other vision-related issues. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a board-certified ophthalmologist.

While medical researchers are still discovering new risks of this novel coronavirus, we know COVID-19 can cause various long-term health issues in multiple organs and systems, including your eyes.

Many are still reluctant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Still, getting vaccinated is beneficial in the long run by slowing viral spread, preventing the emergence of new strains, and protecting you and those around you.

For more information, contact Will Vision and Laser Centers today.

The post Will COVID-19 Affect Your Vision? appeared first on Will Vision.

Are you in the market for new sunglasses? It’s the season where some spend hundreds of dollars for designer glasses, while others buy theirs at the grocery store. But when shopping, what are you looking for – how they look, or how well they protect your eyes?

While many pairs from top fashion brands like Prada and Bulgari can cost almost half a grand, is that the best investment for your eyes? When you look to add to your summer accessories, don’t go shopping for looks alone. Here are some critical areas to research when shopping for new sunglasses to protect your precious vision from the sun’s dangerous UV rays.

What to Know About Sunglasses

People may not realize it, but the sun’s rays expose us to many health risks concerning our eyes. According to one report from the Vision Council, only 31% of American adults wear sunglasses every time they go outdoors, yet more than one in three adults has experienced symptoms of UV exposure on their eyes. That’s unfortunate, because wearing sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection is an easy way to reduce potential vision impairment and eye health risks.

Sun damage is harmful to eye health and can increase the risk for corneal sunburn, irritation, and redness. It also may cause eyelid skin cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, and blindness. And, did you know up to 10% of skin cancer occurs around the eyes?

The risk of developing eye disease from UV exposure is more significant for people with lighter-colored eyes, though those with brown or black eyes are also at risk.

And don’t forget about your children. Sunglasses with the proper UV protection are critical for kids while their eyes are still developing. UV exposure at a young age could affect them later in life.

Choosing the Right Sunglasses

While comfort and style play a significant role in choosing sunglasses, lenses also make a considerable difference. Don’t believe the myth that darker lenses provide more protection. The first rule is to choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV coverage.

Different lens tints are beneficial for various activities. Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare and reflection off surfaces like water and snow. Some sunglasses eliminate 99.9% of glare. Popular lens colors like brown and gray serve a unique purpose. Gray lenses provide the most realistic color perception. They are typically dark enough for comfort in bright conditions. Meanwhile, brown-tinted lenses offer better depth perception.

Wider lenses, close-fitting, and wraparound sunglasses provide more coverage to help protect delicate eyelid skin. They help block irritants and allergens from your eyes on windy days.

So, when you’re choosing your sunglasses this summer, think less about fashion and more about UV protection. It will pay dividends in protecting you and your children’s eyes from dangerous UV rays.

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 Are Designer Sunglasses Worth It? appeared first on Will Vision.

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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.”

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Technology has made an impact on virtually every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s through the many new electronic devices that seem to hit the market every day, or medical procedures, improvements abound.  The same can be said for vision correction.

Over the past couple of decades, laser technology has seen incredible advancements. Vision correction today means more than choosing glasses or contacts. It is finding solutions that deliver convenience and a better quality of life.

Here are some procedures Will Vision and Laser Centers offer in Vancouver and Salem to help our patients have excellent vision and improved eye health and quality of life.

Treatment for Reading Glasses

Most people in their 40s start noticing their near field of vision declining.  Although reading glasses are often used to overcome this problem, the need to have a pair handy at all times can become cumbersome. Plus, it tells others we are starting to feel our age. Although old-fashioned solutions like reading glasses do not complement our modern, fast-paced lifestyles, there is a solution to fit your everyday life.

Treatment for Nearsightedness

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, refers to the eye condition in which people can view objects up close but struggle to see things far away. Since the regular use of digital phones, tablets, and computers, there is a significant increase in nearsighted people in the Northwest and all over the United States. This increase is also alarming with children, where nearsightedness is virtually epidemic.

Finding the best treatment for nearsightedness requires an eye exam. At Will Vision and Laser Centers, Dr. Brian Will determines the severity of nearsightedness to discuss treatment. Most nearsighted patients can regain clear vision from optical solutions as simple as wearing contacts or glasses. Others may find advanced wavefront-guided refractive eye surgery a better option. In general, the sooner treatment is found, the better the patients can avoid poor vision challenges that can affect school or work.

Wavefront-Guided Bladeless Lasik

Will Vision and Laser Centers only offer technology considered the best-of-the-best. Although many corporate vision centers advertise advanced LASIK, most offer average-quality care with outdated laser technology and a specialist with little experience.

When you visit Dr. Brian Will and his team, you receive outstanding care from a respected name in vision correction surgery and Bladeless Wavefront-Guided Lasik. Dr. Will and Will Vision have received industry accolades, including being selected as a Center of Excellence by Zeiss®, Johnson and Johnson Vision®, and CorneaGen®. Dr. Will and his staff have one goal – to give you the best vision possible.

The first step for vision correction is to schedule a visit with a board-certified ophthalmologist to evaluate your vision. Take advantage of a complimentary screening examination at Will Vision and Laser Centers at one of our convenient Vancouver and Salem locations.

The post Choosing the Best Vision Correction Options for You appeared first on Will Vision.

The effects of aging go beyond gray hair, creaky knees, and wrinkles. Consider the many age-related conditions that can affect your vision, including glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. But, rest assured eye issues with aging are not inevitable.

Our bodies age differently from person to person. However, plenty of scientific evidence indicates keeping yourself physically fit and healthy decreases age-associated eye problems. That’s why Dr. Brian Will recommends all adults have comprehensive eye exams when they turn 40, and every couple of years afterward, to track changes as they age.

Protect Aging Eyes

Though it’s impossible to prevent a genetic history of macular degeneration and glaucoma, you can make specific lifestyle changes that reduce developing eye issues as you get older. Here are a few things you can control.

Stop Smoking

Smoking can lead to developing age-related macular degeneration — the leading cause of blindness. The risk remains high up to 20 years after quitting. An Australian study found that as many as 20% all cases of ARMD-related blindness could link to smoking. There are many reasons for the increased risk in smokers, including vascular constriction, oxidative stress, and cellular changes.

Maintain Your Healthy Weight

Obesity affects your blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart. But it can also affect your vision. Studies indicate overweight people are more likely to develop cataracts than those who maintain optimal weight.  Unfortunately, losing the extra weight after gaining it doesn’t seem to prevent cataracts.

According to clinical trials, obesity increases the risk of glaucoma. This danger is due to the buildup of fluid inside the eye and the effects of insulin resistance, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Wear Your Shades

Light-skinned, blue-eyed people have a higher risk of developing cataracts. A 1998 Johns Hopkins study linked sun exposure to an increase in cataracts. Increased exposure to ultraviolet light also increases the risk of ARMD. Researchers even theorize increased UV light changes the cells’ metabolism in the lens and retina.

Enjoy a Workout Routine

Add eye health as another benefit of exercise. A long-term study found people who are active and drink occasionally experience less vision loss over 20 years than those who don’t exercise and drink alcohol. Moderate drinking is limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per day for men, one for women.

How Does This Apply to Me?

The first step to maximizing eye health is to consult with a board-certified ophthalmologist to evaluate your vision. Take advantage and receive a complimentary screening examination at Will Vision and Laser Centers at one of our convenient locations in Vancouver and Salem.

The post Maintaining Healthy Vision as We Age appeared first on Will Vision.

Once your eye exam is over, and the results are 20/20, does this mean your vision is perfect? Is there such a thing as a better vision score? And if so, what is “perfect” vision, anyway?

The best way to answer these questions is to have a working understanding of vision terminology. Here’s a closer look at how eye doctors measure your vision and eyesight.

Visual Acuity

Vision sharpness, or the ability to identify numbers and letters off an eye chart, is visual acuity. It is the measurement of vision clarity while sitting still. Eye doctors test visual acuity under high-contrast conditions, meaning the letters and numbers you read are black, and the background is white.

Although visual acuity is useful for determining eyesight clarity under standardized conditions, it doesn’t measure vision quality in all situations – as in when objects are moving, colored, or similar in brightness to their background.

Eyesight

The exact definition of this term is difficult to pin down. A dictionary may state its meaning as “range of sight” or “ability to see.” You might hear people use the terms “visual acuity” and “eyesight” interchangeably.

Vision

This term has a broader definition than eyesight or visual acuity. It includes a wide range of visual abilities and skills, including color vision, depth perception, contrast sensitivity, focusing speed and accuracy, and more.

If we apply this more accurate definition of vision, then, we should say “20/20 visual acuity,” instead of “20/20 vision.” However, more people understand and use the term “20/20 vision,” so it’s here to stay.

What Is Perfect Vision?

It’s virtually impossible to measure what perfect vision is. More noteworthy would be to ask, “Perfect for what?”

For example, suppose you were driving on a sunny day. In that case, excellent visual acuity might be the main component of satisfactory vision. But if your traveling companion has lower visual acuity than you, they might be happier because they are wearing polarized sunglasses that enhance contrast and block glare.

Athletes who have better than 20/20 vision may struggle with performance if their dynamic visual skills don’t allow them to react to moving objects as quickly as teammates whose static visual acuity isn’t as sharp.

How Do These Concepts Apply to You?

The first step to maximizing your eyesight’s comfort and clarity in every situation is to consult with a board-certified ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam for vision evaluation.

If you are interested in learning about laser vision correction and how it can sharpen your vision better than contacts or glasses, schedule a consultation with Portland LASIK eye surgeon Dr.  Brian Will.

Take advantage and receive a complimentary screening examination at Will Vision and Laser Centers in one of our convenient locations in Vancouver and Salem.

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