Category: Whidbey
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
Cascadia Eye Welcomes Murtaza Merali, OD
Posted in Anacortes, Diabetic Retinopathy, Dry Eyes, Eye Exam, Medical, Practice News, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Cascadia Eye is pleased to announce the addition of Murtaza Merali, OD to its team of ophthalmology and optometry professionals as of January 2026. Dr. Merali brings 31 years of clinical experience and a patient-centered approach to the practice. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of British Columbia and… 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
Billing Just Got Easier (and Greener)
Posted in Mount Vernon, Practice News, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
July 2025 – In response to rising postage costs and a growing need for more convenient service, we’ve made a small but important update to how we send your billing statements. This is how it will work: first, as before, your insurance will process their part of the payment for your eye care. Once this… 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
Our Commitment to Fair Pricing, Transparency, and Thoughtful Choices
Posted in Anacortes, Bellingham, Eye-Opening, Mount Vernon, Practice News, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
As tariffs — both current and proposed — continue to affect industries across the board, from groceries to glasses, we want to keep you informed about how Cascadia Eye is responding. First and foremost, we are working diligently to avoid passing unnecessary costs on to our patients. We’ve been in close communication with our lens… 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
