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Cloudy sky

We all know that the sun can damage the skin. Sun damage is a primary cause of premature aging and can lead to skin cancer, age spots, and other aesthetic concerns.

However, skin damage isn’t the only concern when you’re spending considerable time in the sun. The same UV rays that damage the skin can also damage the eyes.

Sun Damage and the Eyes

Sun damage can increase your risk for many eye problems, including:

• Pinguecula or Pterygium – A pinguecula is a small growth on the white of the eye caused by sun damage. The growth appears as a small, yellowish bump and is made up of proteins, fat, or calcium. Pinguecula are often asymptomatic, but they can continue to grow and eventually develop into a pterygium, also called surfer’s eye. A pterygium is a prominent, fleshy growth that covers a portion of the eye. They are cosmetically unappealing and, in extreme cases, can interfere with vision. Both pinguecula and pterygium are prevalent in patients with high levels of sun exposure.
• Macular Degeneration – Macular degeneration causes gradual vision loss in the center of the eye caused by retinal deterioration. High levels of sun exposure can increase your risk of this condition.
• Solar Retinopathy – Solar retinopathy occurs after intense exposure to UV light. It is most commonly seen after sun gazing or watching an eclipse without proper eye protection. It can significantly impair vision. Most patients with solar retinopathy will experience an improvement in their symptoms after the eye has had time to heal, usually within three to six months. Some patients will experience permanent changes to their vision.
• Solar Keratitis – Essentially a sunburn of the eyes, solar keratitis is a painful inflammation of the eye after too much sun exposure. The condition usually goes away on its own after a few days.
• Cataracts – Cataracts are a primary cause of blindness worldwide. Sun exposure may increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
• Eye Cancers – The eyes can develop cancer from sun exposure, just like your skin and other areas of the body.

Can My Eyes Heal from Sun Damage?

The eyes can heal after sun damage, but they may experience some vision changes. Many eye problems caused by sun damage are cumulative, meaning they result from repeated and consistent sun damage over many years. Cataracts, pterygium, and macular degeneration are treatable, but will not resolve on their own.

Preventing Sun Damage of the Eyes

There are a few simple things you can do to protect your eyes from sun damage.

• Wear UV blocking sunglasses when you’re outside.
• Do not look at the sun.
• See your eye doctor regularly to catch sun damage and eye problems early while they are most treatable.

Furthermore, LASIK surgery can make it easier to protect your eyes from the sun- without the need for glasses. Many that wear glasses find it challenging to wear sunglasses regularly. They may also dislike having to carry two pairs of glasses or find the additional pair’s expenses too costly. LASIK surgery improves your vision, potentially eliminating the need for glasses and allowing patients to wear non-prescription sunglasses to protect their eyes.

Interested in Learning More?

Please contact our renowned surgeon, Dr. Brian Will, to learn more about LASIK in the Pacific Northwest with your very own consultation!

The post Can Your Eyes Heal from Sun Damage? appeared first on Will Vision.

How does stress impact your vision? It’s a complex relationship between your emotions, your body, and your eyes. Here’s our tips for reducing stress to ensure that your eyes are always functioning at their best.

The Connection Between Stress and Vision Loss

Between work and family, stress is a part of our daily lives. It’s normal to feel slightly stressed from time to time. Learning to manage daily pressures is one of life’s biggest challenges.

Stress is normal, but when it becomes persistent, problems can arise. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels which, can negatively impact your vascular and nervous system. It can raise blood pressure, speed your heart rate, and decrease your immune system.

Stress affects every area of the body from your heart to your eyes. Stress-induced changes to the circulatory and nervous systems can lead to serious vision problems, including glaucoma and optic neuropathy.

Stress may exacerbate existing eye conditions as well. Studies suggest that reducing your stress can potentially improve your vision, reversing many stress-related vision changes.

How Can I Improve My Vision?

If you believe that stress may be worsening your vision conditions, the first thing you should do is find ways to reduce it. It can take some time to find the most effective stress reduction options for you. You may want to try some of these popular options:

• Meditation
• Exercise
• Counseling for stress management
• Deep breathing
• Leisure activities

Stress is normal, but don’t let it run unchecked. Effectively managing your stress can reduce its negative impact on your health and your vision.

Don’t Stress About Bad Vision: Will Vision and Laser Centers Can Help

Stress reduction is one way to improve your vision, but it certainly isn’t your only option, nor is it the most effective option available. If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, LASIK surgery can significantly improve your vision. LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea to improve the shape of the eye and reduce refractive errors. It is an effective and long-lasting solution.

Will Vision and Laser Centers is the premier provider of refractive surgery in the Pacific Northwest. We use some of the most advanced technologies and state-of-the-art techniques to help our patients maintain and improve their vision.

If your eyesight isn’t where you want it to be, give us a call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Will. Stressing about vision problems isn’t going to fix them and could potentially make them worse. Learning about LASIK surgery is a better solution. Give us a call, and let’s get started.

The post Stress Isn’t Just Bad for Your Health, It Can Cause Vision Loss Too appeared first on Will Vision.

LASIK surgery can improve your vision, turning a blurry, fuzzy world clear and crisp. Imagine a life without the hassle of glasses or contacts. After LASIK, protect your eyes and your new, improved vision. These simple tips won’t take a lot of effort but are essential for healthy eyes.

Wear Sunglasses

Sun damage doesn’t just affect the skin. Your eyes can be harmed by the sun’s powerful rays. The National Eye Institutes recommend wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium, a tissue growth over the white of the eye.

Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays and provide protection from both UVA and UVB.  These sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, you can find a good pair for under $20 if you’re on a budget. Wear sunglasses even if the sun isn’t bothering your eyes. Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory, but powerful protection for your vision.

Visit Your Eye Doctor Annually

Many LASIK patients start slacking on their eye exams after their vision improves. Now that they no longer use glasses or contacts, there’s no rush to get to the doctor to renew a prescription. Regular visits to your eye care provider are essential to your eye health. Getting a prescription is only one of many reasons to visit the eye doctor.

Regular visits to your optometrist or ophthalmologist are important to:

• Spot early signs of glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
• Renew prescriptions, if needed, and check in on vision.
• Discuss eye concerns, as needed.

Don’t forget to schedule your eye exams as recommended by your eye doctor. The frequency of visits varies, depending on age and eye health. You doctor can help you figure out an appropriate treatment schedule.

Eat for Your Eyes

Healthy foods are good for the eyes! You’ve probably heard that your vision loves carrots, and this is true, but there are many other eye-healthy foods for you to enjoy. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, can help to protect your sight. Fish with high levels of Omega-3s, like salmon, may also have eye health benefits.

Practice Good Digital Habits

Do you stare at the screen all day long? When you’re staring at a screen, you may blink less, leading to eye fatigue. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple way to protect your eyes while still enjoying a digital life. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screens and focus on something 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. You’re just 20 seconds away from happier digital eyes.

Don’t Smoke

We know you’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again and again. Smoking is bad your health. You may not realize that it is also harmful for your eyes. Smoking is linked to an increased risk for some eye problems including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage. Don’t start smoking. If you already smoke, take steps to quit. Your health, and your eyes, will thank you.

Use Eye Protection as Needed

You know those embarrassing eye safety goggles at work? We know you don’t want to wear them, but please do. Protective eyewear can keep your eyes safe during sports, work, and activities at home. If eye protection is needed, use it.

Maintain Your Weight

Maintaining a stable, healthy weight can help your eyes. The risk of diabetes is higher if you’re overweight and diabetes can cause serious vision problems if it isn’t controlled. A condition called diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness. Poorly controlled blood sugar is a major risk factor. Maintain a stable weight to reduce your risk for diabetes. If you do have diabetes, work closely with your doctor to control your blood sugar and reduce your risk of diabetic complications.

Improve Your Vision with LASIK

LASIK can help many patients to achieve better vision by reshaping the eye. Ideally, the eye is perfectly round, but in reality, the eye is often misshapen. LASIK uses powerful lasers to reshape the eye, reduce refractive errors, and improve vision. The tips we’ve shared for protecting your vision after LASIK surgery can also help to protect the eyes before LASIK surgery. If you want to learn more about LASIK or find out if you’re a good candidate, call Will Vision and Laser Centers and learn more.

As top LASIK providers in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve helped thousands of patients discover their best vision, often without glasses or contacts. Modern LASIK is very safe and very effective. We use the best available technologies to ensure you get the best possible results. Call today!

The post Everyday Tips to Protect Your New Vision appeared first on Will Vision.