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FAQs
4 Rules to Prevent Eye Damage from Contact Lenses
Today’s blog addresses problems that come from improper contact lens use. If you wear contact lenses, are interested in trying them, or are a parent of a contact lens-wearing child, this is the post for you. I am hoping to explain clearly why proper contact lens care is crucial, and then give you some concrete rules to follow so your eyes can stay protected and healthy.
Contact Lenses
Here at Cascadia Eye, our contact lens specialists and staff are pleased to offer comprehensive contact lens services. We offer our patients the newest lens technology and design for soft, toric, multifocal, gas permeable, scleral, and hybrid contact lenses. If you think you simply can’t wear contacts, ask us if we can help.
Questions and Answers About Dilating Eye Drops
Sadly, there is no hard rule for how long your eyes stay dilated. We tell patients it can last for three hours on average, but it could be very different for you. The truth is that length of time can vary from 45 minutes for one lucky person, to all day long for another, and occasionally even into the next day for someone else. So if you find your pupils are still dilated the day after your eye exam, don’t panic!
What Causes Your Vision To Fluctuate?
Fluctuating vision can be a warning of other health issues such as diabetic retinopathy or fluctuating blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, dry eyes, or hormone fluctuation.
Cataracts & Cataract Surgery
We are all born with a lens inside our eye that focuses light onto our retina. The lens is positioned behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). When your natural lens becomes cloudy and opaque, it is known as a cataract.
Insurance & Finance Questions
It can be confusing to know how to manage your insurance coverage. Cascadia Eye’s committed and caring revenue management staff are happy to bill your primary insurance company for you. We can also give you an estimate of your benefits, so you’ll have a better idea of what your insurance may or may not cover. In addition, we can also provide you the necessary information so that you can bill any secondary coverage you may have.
What Causes Floaters?
Have you ever felt like you’ve just seen a fly move out of the corner of your eye? You try to swat it away to no avail and then eventually realize there might not be a fly at all. You probably don’t have a pest problem, but rather floaters!
Dry Eyes
Dry Eye disease, also called dry eye syndrome, dry eye disorder, or xerophthalmia, is a common condition typically caused by an insufficient production in the quantity and/or quality of tear film. In order to maintain an optimal level of health, your eyes need a consistent production and drainage of tear film for proper nourishment and protection. A lack of tear film can damage the surface of your eyes, potentially leading to serious side effects such as infection and long-term vision impairment.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or AMD) is a disease of the central retina, which is called the macula. ARMD is the most common cause for vision loss of those 65 and older. ARMD is more common in Caucasians, people with history of smoking and people with a family history of ARMD. This degenerative eye disease is typically caused by damage or deterioration of the central area of the retina.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a deleterious effect of diabetes on the eyes. People with diabetes are at risk of developing this retinal disease, which can ultimately lead to blindness if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated or prevented with lifestyle changes, medication or laser procedures if detected early.
Pediatric Eye Care
As children develop and grow, their eyesight helps them to learn and understand the world around them. As they mature, you will notice an improvement in hand-eye coordination and comprehension skills.
Pediatric Eye Care
If there are no signs of any vision problems, all children should have at least one eye examination before they reach age five. However, if any issues are present, an examination should be scheduled right away to know whether medical eye care is needed or not.
How Your Eye Exam Can Reveal Other Diseases and Conditions
Sometimes observable physical problems in your eyes can point to other diseases or conditions. For example, bulging eyes are a strong indicator of Graves’ Disease, a common form of hyperthyroidism (think of the actor Marty Feldman). Others include: Double Vision — Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disease.
Optometrist or Ophthalmologist–What’s the Difference?
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!
Learn more about Eye Terms & Conditions at the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus website.
Learn about Subconjunctival Hemorrhage at the American Academy of Ophthalmology website.
Contact Cascadia Eye
If you would like to learn more, or if you would like to schedule an appointment or consultation with our talented doctors at Cascadia Eye, please contact us today or use our online scheduler. You may also pre-shop for glasses at our online pre-shopping page any time. Our entire team is committed to protecting and improving your vision and the health of your eyes. We are happy to answer any questions you might have!
In addition, join us on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube to ask your questions about eyes, exams, and our practice. We’d love to hear from you – and there might be a blog to address your questions in the future.
