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
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
Medicare Minded
Posted in Eye Blog, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
Clarity and insight on Medicare and Medicare Advantage options for 2025 Big decisions for 2025 are right around the corner. Open enrollment for most Medicare enrollees begins on October 15 and runs until December 7. Cascadia Eye does not make insurance recommendations; each situation is too unique and there are many factors involved in choosing… Read More
Stye or Chalazion? How to Tell the Difference and When to Seek Treatment
Posted in Anacortes, Eye Blog, Eye Exam, Fluctuating Vision, Medical, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood
By Jared Rasmussen OD A growth or bump on an eyelid can be an aggravating experience. Eyelids are very sensitive and having a growth there can cause pain, irritation and emotional stress due to cosmetic concerns. While most lid growths are benign and do not pose any serious health risk, any new growth, especially one… Read More
Shield Your Eyes: Summer Safety Tips
Posted in Eye Blog, Mount Vernon, Pediatrics, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
by Roy Gordon, OD Summer in the Pacific Northwest is an exciting time. The calendar is filled quickly with things like barbecues, travel plans and recreational activities. Before seizing every opportunity to enjoy the weather, take a moment to consider these tips to keep your summer eyes healthy and safe all season long. Wear sunglasses to… Read More
2024 Eyewear Trends to Watch
Posted in Anacortes, Eye Blog, Eye-Opening, Eyeglasses, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey
by Sheri Saldivar, CEO/designer, Cascadia EyewearFeaturing Cascadia Eyewear’s exclusive designs After attending the show in New York City this spring and meeting with many manufacturers there and throughout the year, we thought it would be helpful to share the current trends in eyewear fashion. Remember – you can swap lenses in any frame to create… 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
