Eye Blog
Optometrist or Ophthalmologist–what’s the difference?
What is an optometrist? Is an ophthalmologist only a surgeon? Which one is my eye doctor? Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both eye doctors, but their training differs and what they offer can be very different. This is why Cascadia Eye has the best of both! Optometrists Optometrists attend optometry school for four years after completing… Read More
Comprehensive eye exam vs. routine vision exam
Posted in Dilating Eye Drops, Eye Blog, Eye Exam, Medical, Surgery
NOTE: We are a MEDICAL office that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, chronic eye conditions, and eye injuries. All MEDICAL eye exams, including those you would consider your “routine and annual” eye exam will be billed to your MEDICAL INSURANCE, even if you have a supplemental VISION plan from your employer…. Read More
Why Dilated Eye Exams Still Matter in the Age of Advanced Imaging
Posted in Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Dilating Eye Drops, Eye Blog, Eye Exam, Medical, Mount Vernon, OCT test, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Modern retinal imaging has changed how we see the eye. High-resolution cameras can map the retina in seconds, offering detailed views without drops or waiting time. Yet, despite this progress, dilated eye exams remain the gold standard for assessing full ocular health. When the pupils are dilated, eye care providers can see beyond what technology… Read More
Everyday Habits That Keep Your Eyes Healthy as You Age
Posted in Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Eye Blog, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
It happens so slowly you barely notice it. One day you’re squinting at the grocery receipt, and the next you’re holding your phone at arm’s length. But aging eyes aren’t a sudden failure — they’re a cumulative result of what we did, didn’t do, or never thought to do. The good news? You can start… Read More
Vaping, Smoking, and Your Vision: What You Need to Know
Posted in Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Dry Eyes, Eye Blog, Medical, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Smoking cigarettes is widely known to be harmful to overall health, and thankfully, cigarette use has been steadily declining over the past 70 years. As of 2022, only 11.6% of Americans reported smoking. Meanwhile, vaping—often marketed as a safer alternative—has been gaining popularity, with 6.5% of Americans reporting regular use. But is vaping actually safer?… Read More
10 Eye Puns That Totally Aren’t Cornea
Posted in Eye Blog, Mount Vernon, Pediatrics, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Myopia Treatment
Posted in Contact lenses, Eye Blog, Eye Exam, Eyeglasses, Medical, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the most common refractive error and most common cause of correctable visual impairment. The International Myopia Institute estimates that roughly 30% of the world’s population is myopic and that number is expected to increase to 50% by the year 2050. Who Gets Myopia? Areas in Southeast Asia have the highest incidence… Read More
Why Your Eyes Deserve a Break
Posted in Dry Eyes, Eye Blog, Eye Exam, Medical, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
The Real Value of Regular Vision Checks for Screen-Heavy Workers Let’s be honest—if you’re clocking in at a computer every day, chances are your eyes are working overtime. That constant focus, the dry air, the back-and-forth between tabs, apps, and screens—it adds up. You may not feel the effects right away, but that quiet strain… Read More
Understanding Open and Closed Angle Glaucoma
Posted in Eye Blog, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
You probably have heard of open angle and angle closure glaucoma. But what is the difference? First of all, we need to know what glaucoma is. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in peripheral vision loss and eventually leading to permanent blindness if not treated appropriately. It… Read More
Let’s Talk About Medicare Advantage Plans!
Posted in Eye Blog, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Medicare Advantage plans were created back in 1997 as part of federal legislation for the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Enrollment in these plans has grown steadily and has 33.8 million subscribers, about twice the population as the city of New York, as of 2024. Medicare Advantage Plans Vary by County In 2025, across the… Read More
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Why Early Treatment Matters
Posted in Eye Blog, Eye Exam, Fluctuating Vision, Medical, Mount Vernon, Pediatrics, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Amblyopia, often referred to as “lazy eye,” occurs in childhood when the brain develops preference for the vision of one eye over the other eye. This can happen due to a variety of factors and prevent the weaker eye from developing normal vision. Several conditions can lead to the development of amblyopia. Symptoms of someone… Read More
The Do’s & Don’ts of Glasses Cleaning
Posted in Eye Blog, Eyeglasses, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
For many of us, cleaning glasses has become a vital part of daily life. Whether they are for function, fashion, or fun in the sun, we rely on our glasses for clear vision and eye protection. There is nothing more frustrating than waking up one day, putting on your trusty eyewear only to realize there… Read More
