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
Choosing a Lens for My Eye Surgery
Posted in Bellingham, Eye Blog, Medical, Mount Vernon, Refractive Lens Exchange, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Surgery, Whidbey
by Andrew Sumnicht MD I’m considering cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange (RLE) but there are too many options to consider for my lens choice. What lens should I pick? Having cataract surgery or RLE is a significant decision and you have finally decided to proceed. There seem to be so many ways to have… Read More
The Value of a Professional Optician Evaluate and Fit Eyewear Rather Than Purchasing Glasses Online
Posted in Eye Blog, Eyeglasses, Optical
Online shopping has become a normal part of life for many Americans, but not everything should be purchased from the Internet. When it comes to procuring prescription eyewear, you will have a much better experience and outcome when you visit an optical center. The opticians at Cascadia Eye, with five locations in Northwest Washington State, share… Read More
Scratchy, Sore Eyes? It may be Blepharitis.
Posted in Dry Eyes, Eye Blog, Eye Exam, Eye-Opening, Fluctuating Vision, Medical, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood
by Andrew Sumnicht, MD What is Blepharitis? Blepharitis (bleff – ah – write – iss) is a very common condition seen in the eye clinic, with findings present in up to half of all eye patients, and with symptoms affecting up to 10% of the general population. There are oil glands that line your upper and… Read More
What Causes Dry Eye?
If you notice a frequent uncomfortable or burning-like sensation in your eyes, you may be one of the 20 million Americans with chronic dry eye. As the name suggests, dry eye occurs when your eyes are unable to sufficiently lubricate themselves. This can be triggered by inadequate tear production or because the tears you produce… Read More
Diabetes and the Importance of Having a Proper Eye Evaluation
Posted in Diabetic Retinopathy, Eye Blog
Diabetes increases your risk for a variety of serious health ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Another concern that often gets overlooked is the effects that diabetes can have on our eyes. If you have diabetes, you are dramatically more susceptible to vision-stealing eye diseases that can even cause complete blindness. The… Read More
Answers to the Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask About Refractive Lens Exchange
Posted in Eye Blog, Refractive Lens Exchange
LASIK may be the best-known type of refractive surgery, but it is hardly the only option available for permanent correction of your imperfect vision. Our talented ophthalmologists frequently perform refractive lens exchange (RLE) on patients who are age 55-67 or are otherwise not considered good candidates for laser vision correction. Continue reading to find out… Read More
What is an Eye Emergency?
Posted in Bellingham, Eye Blog, Fluctuating Vision, Medical, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Surgery, Whidbey
Changes in vision are frightening. While some visual issues can be easily corrected with new glasses or contact lenses, other vision changes may require immediate medical attention. Educating yourself about a serious eye emergency is the first step in preventing vision loss. You may be wondering how to differentiate between symptoms that require immediate medical… Read More
Seeing Well
Posted in Bellingham, Contact lenses, Dry Eyes, Eye Blog, Eye Exam, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Changing course in life is often something people try to avoid. I’ve recently made a change professionally to leave one post as an optometrist I held for 10 years. Although I still help people to see well, I joined a new team of eye care providers at Cascadia Eye, with five locations throughout the North… Read More
How to Avoid Cataracts
Posted in Bellingham, Dry Eyes, Eye Blog, Eye-Opening, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Surgery, Whidbey
by Dan Siapco MD My retired partner and founder of Cascadia Eye, Nannette Crowell, always told her patients, “You will get cataracts if you live long enough.” Cataracts are a part of the aging process. You may find yourself with an operable cataract at an early age or, if you are an average American, at… Read More
Heart Health and Your Eyes
Posted in Bellingham, Eye Blog, Eye-Opening, Medical, Mount Vernon, Whidbey
By: Dr. Ernesto Golez III Hearts and Eyes Happy Heart Health Month! Did you know that your eyes can tell you about your heart health? The heart delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to the different parts of the body, including the eyes. Thus, any problems with the heart’s functioning will eventually affect the functioning of… Read More
