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.

Preventing Workplace Injuries

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

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

Office Jobs and Safety

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

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

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

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

Avoid Direct Sunlight

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

Avoid Contaminants

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

Wash Your Hands Regularly

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

We Can Help

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

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

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When you look outside and see a rainbow, you’re seeing a glorious display of the spectrum of light. Sunlight looks white, but is really a combination of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet light. Each color of light has different features and effects on the eye. 

Sunlight has a lot of blue light, along with the other colors in the spectrum too. You’re also exposed to blue light every time you flip on a light switch or look at your phone. Right now, as you read this article, blue light is entering your eyes from the screen on your device. 

What are the effects of blue light on your eyes? Can too much blue light cause vision problems?

What Makes Blue Light Unique?

Each color of light has different energy levels and wavelengths. Generally, the larger the wavelength, the lower the energy level. Blue light has a fairly short wavelength and a high energy level. 

The retina is most sensitive to light with short wavelengths, including blue light, and some studies suggest that retinal damage can occur from blue light exposure. Screens emit light closely to the face and eyes, ensuring the much of the blue light they emit, will enter the eye.  Children’s eyes absorb more blue light from screens than adult eyes. 

Blue light has benefits too. It boosts alertness and memory. It can also improve cognitive function. This boost to alertness and productivity makes blue light an ideal choice for computer screens in the workplace. Blue light also offers mood boosting benefits. Studies show that blue light exposure during the day can help to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. 

Night can be a problematic time for blue light. This type of light can suppress the secretion of melatonin, shifting circadian rhythms and potentially causing sleep disruptions. Reducing screen use right before bed may counteract some of these effects. 

Like most things in life, blue light has both positives and negatives. Moderate exposure allows for the enjoyment of the benefits while reducing the potentially negative effects. 

Limiting Blue Light Exposure: What You Can Do

If you’re feeling negative effects, like digital eyestrain, from too much blue light, these tips can lower your exposure. 

• Limit Screen Time- Computers, phones, and tablets all emit blue light. Reduce screen time if you can, and when you can’t, give your eyes frequent breaks. The 20-20-20 rule may be helpful. Every 20 minutes of screen use take a 20 second break and focus on something 20 feet away. We realize that screens are pervasive and important, but most people can moderately reduce their screen use while enjoying all the benefits of modern technology. 
• Filter It- Some eyeglasses offer a blue light filter. This filtering works similarly to sunglasses and their UV blocking effects by blocking a portion of the light spectrum, specifically blue light. Screen filters, or filtering apps, may also be available for some of your devices. 
• Correct Your Vision- Blue light isn’t the only cause of digital eyestrain. Poor vision can also contribute to uncomfortable eyes after computer use.  LASIK eye surgery improves vision by reshaping the cornea and reducing refractive errors. 
• Visit Your Eye Doctor- If you’re struggling with eyestrain or other vision problems, visit your eye doctor and let them know. 

Call Will Vision and Laser Centers to schedule your LASIK consultation. We have convenient office locations in both Salem, OR and Vancouver, WA.

The post The Effects of Blue Light on Your Eyes appeared first on Will Vision.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) has become one of the most frequently performed elective surgeries in the United States.  This surgical procedure can correct a wide range of vision problems that would otherwise require the use of contact lenses or glasses, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. During this outpatient procedure, a laser is used to reshape the cornea and improve vision. And, most LASIK patients are able to quit using their contacts or glasses after surgery! Because of this, it has the highest patient satisfaction rate of any elective procedure – 96% of patients who undergo LASIK are extremely happy with their experience and their results!

It is important to note that LASIK isn’t for everyone. Your surgeon will be able to determine whether your particular vision problems are correctible through LASIK and give you recommendations on preparing for the procedure. This blog discusses how you can ensure that you are a good candidate and that your eyes are healthy enough for LASIK.

LASIK isn’t appropriate for younger patients or pregnant women.

Patients who have not yet reached their physical maturity, usually around the age of 18-20, are not considered to be good candidates for LASIK as their bodies are still changing, including their eyes.  Additionally, women who are pregnant are experiencing hormonal and other physical changes in their bodies that may create complications for LASIK surgery (such as decreased tear production and sensitivity to light).  For these reasons, we suggest that younger patients and pregnant women who would like to undergo LASIK should wait some time for their procedure.

Take care of your general health and discuss all conditions and medications with your eye surgeon.

LASIK is recommended for patients who are in good general health because the body is most likely to heal well and experience fewer complications in a healthy individual.  Through diet and exercise, you can adjust your overall health and improve conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.  Creating good daily habits towards your overall health will also ensure that you can get the most out of your LASIK procedure.

It is also important that you discuss any conditions you have and medications that you take with your eye surgeon because some autoimmune diseases or other conditions can cause complications.  Additionally, some medications are contraindicated for LASIK surgery because they can interfere with your body’s ability to fight infections or heal.

Eye health and vision stability are important for LASIK success.

Certain diseases of the eyes (such as glaucoma or keratoconus) may negatively influence healing from your LASIK procedure, and your surgeon will conduct a thorough eye exam prior to make sure you are free from these diseases prior to surgery.  Additionally, if you have chronic dryness of the eyes, this condition must be treated before you can undergo LASIK.

Also, it is important that your vision is stable for some time before you have the surgery.  Because vision changes may indicate that your cornea is changing, you should have at least a year of stable vision (i.e. – same prescription for your glasses or contacts). If you were to undergo LASIK while your cornea is changing, the results of your procedure may not last very long.

Follow your surgeon’s recommendations about when to stop using contacts and eye makeup.

For our patients who wear hard contact lenses, it is critical that you stop using them for several weeks before your LASIK eye exam.  This is because the use of contacts changes the shape of your cornea, and your body needs time to adjust and re-assume your natural corneal shape prior to surgical alterations. Even soft contact lenses can change your cornea, and we recommend that you stop using them at least a few days prior to your eye exam.

For women who use eye makeup, you should avoid anything that could get in your eyes before your surgery.  You don’t want to risk eye injury or debris in your eyes before LASIK surgery, so giving up the mascara for a day or so can ensure that your eyes are ready for your procedure.

Corrected vision without contacts or glasses is possible for many patients through LASIK. Call 877.542.3937 to find out if LASIK is the right solution to your vision problems!

The post How to Ensure Your Eyes Are Healthy Enough for LASIK Surgery appeared first on Will Vision.

Workplace eye injuries are very common. In 2016, the most recent year with available statistics, 131,000 U.S. workers experienced a workplace eye injury that required treatment. Of these injuries, many lead to temporary or permanent vision damage.

How can you protect your eyes from workplace injuries and blindness?

Use Eye Protection

Experts estimate that 90% of workplace eye injuries could be prevented and their damage reduced with proper eye protection. If you’re worried about making a fuss or being the only one wearing eye protection, don’t be. It isn’t embarrassing to take the steps necessary to protect your eyes; it’s good sense and something everyone should be doing. Most major eye injuries fall into one of two categories: no eye protection or the wrong eye protection for the job. You can protect yourself from most injuries by following this one simple precaution.

The right protection is key to preventing injuries. You’ll need to identify the eye hazards in your workplace and choose the necessary level of protection for your eyes. Commonly used eye protectors include:

• Prescription or non-prescription safety glasses
• Goggles, with or without side protection
• Face shields
• Welding helmets
• Full face respirators

If you don’t know what protection is appropriate in your workplace, ask and find out. Your eye doctor can be a valuable resource for identifying workplace hazards and finding appropriate eye protection. Safety glasses and goggles can be difficult to wear with glasses. LASIK surgery can make it easier and more comfortable to protect your eyes in the workplace.

Remember, wearing prescription glasses doesn’t count as eye protection. You need specially designed  protective glasses, not just any pair of eyeglasses or shades.

Learn to Identify Eye Hazards

Is eye protection really needed? Learning to spot potential hazards can help you decide when to pull out and use that protective eyewear. When in doubt, err on the side of overly cautious.

Eye hazards can occur in any workplace, but are especially common in the following fields:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Carpentry
• Vehicle repair
• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Maintenance

If you work in these areas, take special precautions to protect your eyes. Wherever you work, always be on the lookout for potential hazards.

Common workplace eye hazards include:

• Particles- sawdust, dust, etc.
• Projectiles- bits of metal, glass, concrete, etc.
• Tools
• Chemicals- splashes and fumes
• Radiation- lasers, welding equipment, fiber optics, etc.
• Bodily pathogens- blood, saliva, and other body fluids

Many hazards can be reduced or prevented by using proper safety equipment. Use shields, machine guards, screens, and other controls to reduce eye hazards as you work.

Don’t Forget the Digital Eye Hazards in Your Workplace

Working at a desk doesn’t preclude you from the eye dangers of the workplace. Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Digital Eye Strain, often affects the eyes of worker that use computers, tablets, and other digital devices extensively.

You can reduce your risk of Computer Vision Syndrome and alleviate symptoms by following the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look away from your screen for 20 seconds and focus on an object 20 feet away.

As one of the top LASIK surgeons in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Will understands the value of good vision. Improve your eyesight with LASIK surgery and protect it using proper eye protection. Clear vision is priceless.

Call Will Vision and Laser Centers to learn more about LASIK and refractive surgery in the Pacific Northwest. We have two office locations, Salem, OR and Vancouver, WA, and serve patients throughout Washington and Oregon.

The post How to Keep Your Eyes Safe in the Workplace appeared first on Will Vision.

Lifting weights, running, and crunches are excellent for your waistline, but what about your eyes? Can regular exercise improve eye health? Keep reading to learn more about the link between exercise and good vision.

More Exercise = Fewer Eye Diseases

Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of many serious eye diseases. One study found that regular exercise reduced glaucoma risk by 25%. Another study found that people that exercised three times a week reduced their risk of age-related macular degeneration, compared to those that did not exercise.

It makes sense. Exercise improves overall health, and many serious eye problems are linked to health conditions. For example, diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, can develop in patients with diabetes, especially those with higher and less controlled blood sugar numbers.

Diabetes isn’t the only health concern that affects the eyes. High blood pressure, some autoimmune diseases, rosacea, and liver disease can all affect the eyes and vision. Exercise creates a healthier body, and a healthier body means healthier eyes.

Of course, exercise isn’t a cure-all for every vision problem or health concern. It is a way to keep your body functioning at its best. Prevention is key to avoiding many vision problems.

How Much Exercise Do I Need?

Exercise offers health, mood, appearance, and vision benefits. If you’re not currently exercising, it’s a habit worth considering.

To give you a good starting point, here are the recommendations for weekly physical activity from the American Heart Association for adults:

• 75-150 Minutes Per Week- Get a minimum of 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Any combination of the two works. Aerobic activity, aka cardio, gets your heart pumping and body moving, think running or swimming. Moving more offers additional benefits.
• Add in muscle-strengthening activities like resistance training or weight training twice a week.
• Sit Less- Reducing sedentary time is important. Move more if possible. Even a gentle walk can counteract many of the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
• Increase with Time- As your body adapts to exercise, increase time and intensity. You’ll keep getting stronger and healthier as time goes on.

Talk to your doctor for specific exercise tips and recommendations.

Better Vision Through LASIK Surgery

Exercise can improve eye health and reduce the risk of serious eye disease, but it isn’t going to cure nearsightedness. To treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, you’ll need to come see Dr. Will. LASIK surgery can improve your vision by reshaping the cornea and correcting refractive errors.

When performed by a skilled refractive surgeon using the latest available technologies, LASIK can offer impressive vision correction results. Virtually all of our patients no longer need glasses or contacts and achieve 20/20 vision, or better. LASIK results are long lasting with patients enjoying lifelong improvement in their vision.

Good vision and healthy eyes are priceless. At Will Vision and Laser Centers, we help patients throughout the Pacific Northwest to see better through LASIK and PRK surgery. We are conveniently located in Vancouver, WA and Salem, OR.

We’ll help you with your vision, but for optimal eye health, you’ll need to do your part.  A healthy lifestyle with lots of exercise can help keep your eyes healthy and strong.

Call us at 877-542-3937 to schedule your LASIK consultation.

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Just like other parts of your body, the aging process can slowly but surely diminish eye health. The saying goes “you are what you eat” and when it comes to caring for your eyesight, what better place to start than in the kitchen? This suggestion isn’t too far from the truth. In a study released by the National Eye Institute, it was determined that poor diet was a serious factor contributing to the development of macular degeneration and cataracts. In addition to routine check-ups, choosing nutrient-rich foods that promote eye health can help individuals maintain their ocular well-being.

The Nutrients that Matter

To start, which nutrients matter most in the name of eye health? As you may have learned in elementary school, vitamin C found in carrots plays an important role in helping individuals maintain accurate vision. However, the list of “good” nutrients goes well beyond vitamin C. Vitamins E, A, and zinc are other important nutrients that add to an eye-healthy diet. Antioxidants and carotenoids (fat-soluble pigments found in plants) such as lutein and zeaxanthin are just as important at helping protect the eyes from damage and inflammation that can result from aging.

Dr. Will’s Favorite Foods for Better Eye Health

Ready to get cooking? Luckily, these important nutrients can be found in a number of foods, making it easy to incorporate eye-focused foods into any diet. Check out these top foods recommended for getting all the right nutrition into your next meal:

Colorful Fruits and Vegetables

Who doesn’t like a pop of color on their plate? Colorful produce like tomatoes, carrots, corn and bell peppers are not only tasty, they’re also great for eye health as they contain high amounts of vitamins A and C. These veggies get their vibrant coloring from carotenoids, another key nutrient in protecting your vision.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and spinach as well cruciferous vegetables, legumes, and avocados are chock full of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Eggs

Boiled, scrambled or sunny-side up, eggs are an excellent source of lutein and vitamin A. In addition to promoting strong eye health and function; vitamin A also helps protect patients from blindness caused by nearsightedness or cataracts.

Grains

Low blood sugar isn’t just important for preventing diabetes. A low glycemic diet that is rich in whole grains can also lower an individual’s risk of developing macular degeneration. Some of our top favorites include quinoa, brown rice, whole-wheat bread and pasta. Whole grains are also an important source of vitamin E, zinc, and niacin.

Citrus Fruits and Berries

Now that we’re in the midst of summer, who doesn’t appreciate a good berry tart or fresh orange slices? In addition to being delicious, these fruits are high in vitamin C, a key ingredient for reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes

Whether added to a salad or eaten as a mid-day snack, seeds and nuts are rich in important omega-3 acids and vitamin E. Legumes like beans and lentils are also high in nutrients, containing high contents of zinc and bioflavonoids. These compounds help improve retinal health as well as reduce the risk of age-related wear.

Wild-Caught Seafood

Foods like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and other forms of seafood contain a high amount of omega-3s, important nutrients that’s been found to reduce inflammation and slow the aging process. Omega-3s also help stabilize blood sugar, which can help limit the potential eye damage that may be caused by diabetes.

At Will Vision and Laser Centers, we’re proud to help our patients achieve great vision in and out of our office.

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