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What’s New

Keep up-to-date on the latest vision-related news and eye care events in our Practice. The items are displayed by year and month. To view older entries use the links in the box below to select the year and month you would like.

Countdown to Savings: Use Your Vision Benefits Now

Don’t let your vision insurance benefits go to waste! Most plans reset at the start of the year, meaning unused coverage is lost. Here’s why it’s important to act now to protect your vision and save money.

Breaking Social Barriers for Those with Low Vision: How Our IALVS Low Vision Doctor Can Help 

Living with low vision creates challenges that extend beyond vision itself. Everyday interactions—such as recognizing faces, following group conversations, or maintaining eye contact—can become frustrating and lead to misunderstandings. While these difficulties may not be visible to others, they are deeply felt by individuals with low vision. As a proud...

Maximize Your Vision Insurance Before the Year Ends

Many vision insurance benefits expire at the end of the year, making now the best time to schedule your eye exam and use any remaining coverage for glasses or contacts. We’ll help you maximize your insurance benefits so you can head into the new year with healthy eyes and a clear view.

Therapeutic Activities for Anyone with Low Vision

Living with low vision doesn’t mean giving up on the activities that bring joy, connection, and relaxation. With the help of low vision glasses or devices, individuals can continue to participate in a wide range of activities that enhance their quality of life. Whether it’s reading, crafting, or spending time...

Understanding Vision and Dementia: A Connection to Low Vision Care

As we age, changes in our vision are common, but for individuals with dementia, vision loss can be even more pronounced. Many patients with dementia struggle not only with memory but also with processing both audio and visual inputs, often leading to a decrease in their ability to recognize familiar...

Can Contact Lenses Replace Glasses Completely for Myopia Management?

While contact lenses provide a great alternative to glasses, it’s best to use them both for flexibility and eye health. Optical Images explains how to balance both options.

Navigating the Night: How Reflective Coatings and Low Vision Glasses Improve Evening Driving

As the days grow shorter and nighttime sets in earlier, driving can become more challenging, especially for those experiencing vision loss. Glare from headlights, streetlights, and reflections off wet roads can make it difficult to see well, creating a stressful experience on the road. Even for individuals with fully functional...

Regain the Joy of Seeing Family Faces This Holiday Season

Understanding Vision Loss from Eye Diseases Eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma can lead to significant vision loss. Many people have trouble recognizing familiar faces or seeing fine details, which can deeply affect everyday interactions. While these conditions might limit vision, most individuals still have some remaining...

Even If Low Vision Increases Fall Risk, We Can Help

As proud members of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), our eye care team believes that there’s life after vision loss. That’s why we work hard to provide every one of our low-vision patients with the tools they need to continue living the independent lifestyle they deserve every...

What is Blue Light and can Blue Light from Computer Screens Impact your Eye Health?

Whether you spend a significant amount of your day on a computer, tablet or smartphone, the blue light that is emitted from these devices may be harming your vision and putting you at risk for developing serious eye diseases later in life. Blue light emissions create a glare on the...

The Important Connection Between Lighting in Your Home and the Work Our Low Vision Doctor Plays

Did you know lighting in the home is critical for even daily tasks? It's even more so for those with vision loss. Recent findings reveal that better home lighting can significantly improve the physical activity levels of older adults with visual impairments. According to a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology,...

Ready for School? Start with an Eye Exam!

As your family prepares for the exciting back-to-school season, don't forget one crucial checkup that can make all the difference in your child's academic performance and confidence: a comprehensive eye exam. Why Prioritize an Eye Exam? Vision is Critical for Learning: 80% of learning is visual. Without clear vision, your child's...

Helping Low Vision Patients Through Devices & Resources for Work and School

Maintaining independence and quality of life is key for individuals with low vision. As members of The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), our eye care team aims to support our low vision patients, ensuring they have access to tools and resources that enable them to lead fulfilling, independent...

Offer Your Child a Brighter Future with Ortho-k

Ortho-K has been shown to help control myopia and enable children to see better and participate in activities that may have been prohibited due to their vision or need for glasses.

Tackling Myopia with Ortho-K Lenses

Our dedicated team is at the forefront of myopia management, employing the latest research and technologies to not only correct vision but also slow myopia's progression

Do You Suffer with Spring Allergy-Eyes?

Some symptoms of eye allergies include dry, red, itchy, irritated, watery eyes. Eye allergy symptoms are often accompanied by sneezing or runny nose.

Safeguard Your Vision: Solar Eclipse 2024

Preparing adequately to protect our vision is essential as we anticipate the awe-inspiring celestial event on April 8.

Macular Degeneration? We Can Help

There are certain treatments that can slow the progression—as well as low vision aids that can improve the quality of life for a person living with impaired vision.

Sleep Your Way To Better Vision With Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Ortho-K is a revolutionary way to improve your vision and give you the freedom to live your life without the hassle of glasses or daytime contacts.

There is a Solution for Keratoconus

If you have keratoconus, a bulging of the cornea, scleral lenses offer a successful solution.

How Does Diabetes Affect Your Eyes?

Both Type I and Type 2 diabetes can have damaging effects on your eyes, especially if your blood sugar levels aren’t properly managed.

Scleral Lenses: Freedom Is Within Reach

Scleral lenses are often used to correct vision problems that can't be corrected with regular contact lenses or glasses, such as keratoconus,

Offer Your Teenager a Brighter Future with Ortho-K

Ortho-K has been shown to help control myopia and enable teenagers and children to see clearer and participate in activities, such as sports and social events.

Discover the Benefits of Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Scleral lenses are larger and cover the entire cornea, providing a more stable and comfortable fit.

Managing Myopia and the Benefits of Ortho-K

Discover the significance of early treatment of myopia and explore the popular and effective vision correction method known as orthokeratology (Ortho-K). At Optical Images, we provide a range of treatment options to address myopia and help your child achieve optimal vision and eye health.

Have Fun, Enjoy the Sun and Protect your Eyes!

In severe cases of UV radiation overexposure can also do permanent damage to your central vision, and the more your eyes are exposed to UV rays over time.

The Great Outdoors can Cause Allergy Eyes

If you experience red, itchy, and irritated eyes while walking in nature, then you're likely suffering from eye allergies

5 Things To Consider Before Getting Cataract Surgery

If you have cataracts, here are 5 things to discuss with your eye doctor before having the procedure.

The Link Between High Myopia and Serious Eye Diseases

High myopia – severe nearsightedness – is associated with an increased risk of serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams in Detecting Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause severe vision loss, but early detection can help preserve your vision.

Eye Exam Saves Woman’s Life by Detecting Brain Tumor Early

Here's how eye exams helped save Katie's vision and quality of life. Call Optical Images to schedule your appointment.

How Diabetes Increases Dry Eye Risk in Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents with diabetes are significantly more likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome (DES) than their non-diabetic peers. Read on to learn why diabetics are at higher risk, and how Dry Eye Center At Optical Images can help.

Best Apps For People With Low Vision

Cutting-edge apps, coupled with low vision aids and devices, can help people with low vision live full, independent lives.

How Long Does It Take To Switch From Glasses to Scleral Lenses?

Switching from glasses to scleral contact lenses can take several weeks. your Kirkland eye doctor will provide instructions on how to properly insert, remove, and care for the lenses, as well as how to monitor for any potential complications. Read on to learn more.

When Should You See a Retina Specialist?

Many retinal conditions can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed early and treated promptly. If your optometrist notices signs of retinal disease, they’ll manage the condition until it's necessary to refer you to a retina specialist.

5 Top Visual Aids For Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Here are 5 of the most popular low vision aids that patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) use to maintain their independence and live a meaningful life. Contact your low vision eye doctor for more information.

Experts Warn of Rising Levels Of Myopia

Discover why experts say there’s a myopia epidemic, and learn what you can do to keep your kids’ eyes healthy. Myopia Control Center At Optical Images proudly offers myopia management treatments to nearsighted children for healthy and clear life-long vision.

Natural And Holistic Dry Eye Treatments

Medication doesn't always work to heal dry eye syndrome's underlying cause. The following natural and holistic remedies may relieve your eye discomfort and relieve your symptoms.

How Does Ocular Albinism Affect the Eyes?

Ocular albinism affects a person’s eyes and vision in several ways. Thankfully, the low vision aids we offer at Low Vision Center At Optical Images can help patients with ocular albinism live independent and meaningful lives, despite low vision.

7 Eye Care Tips for the Holiday Season

Your eye experts at Optical Images have compiled our top 7 tips for keeping your eyes healthy and safe this holiday season. Let us know how else we can help!

Low Vision Glasses For Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that impairs central vision. Here we’ll discuss the most common low vision glasses for AMD and how your Low Vision Center At Optical Images optometrist can help.

High Blood Sugar Linked to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Did you know that having atrophied meibomian glands can signal uncontrolled blood sugar levels? To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Dry Eye Center At Optical Images today!

Supplements That Slow AMD Progression

Aging comes with many blessings but also certain challenges. Having a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of them. Fortunately, a formulation of vitamins and minerals called AREDS2 may slow the progression of vision loss from AMD. We at Optical Images Lasik & Cataract Surgery Center in Kirkland offer treatment for macular degeneration and other eye diseases.

City Kids Are More Likely To Be Nearsighted

Did you know that a risk factor for developing myopia (nearsightedness) is living in an urban area? But don’t worry – the myopia management program at Myopia Control Center At Optical Images can help.

Raising Awareness About Keratoconus

World Keratoconus Day is celebrated every year on November 10 to raise awareness of this rare eye condition. Read on to learn about keratoconus and how it’s treated.

Have Low Vision? Cook Safely and Independently With These Tips

If you love to cook but have low vision, working in the kitchen safely and independently can be challenging. At Low Vision Center At Optical Images in Kirkland we offer our low vision patients practical advice and low vision aids and devices so they can keep doing the things they love.

Could You Pass on the Keratoconus Gene?

Genetic testing can help determine whether you have a genetic variant that may put you or your children at risk for certain diseases. Read on to learn about genetic testing for keratoconus.

Bid Farewell To Dry Eyes

Do you wake up each morning with dry, irritated eyes? You could have dry eye syndrome, an eye condition that can range from mild to debilitating. Here's what you need to know about dry eye syndrome.

Protect Your Eyes With These Contact Lens Safety Tips

It's Contact Lens Safety Month, which makes it the perfect time to brush up on ways to keep your eyes and vision healthy when wearing contact lenses. Here are our top contact lens safety tips to keep your peepers happy.

Childhood Glaucoma: Here’s What You Need to Know

Glaucoma in children is rare, but when it occurs, it must be treated with surgery to prevent vision loss. Read on to learn more about congenital glaucoma symptoms and treatments.

Why Glasses Are Not the Solution for Progressive Myopia

Traditional myopia correction uses glasses to improve visual acuity, but they are not a solution for controlling myopia’s progression and may even contribute to worsening myopia. Myopia management is an effective treatment program to slow or halt myopia progression.

Struggling With Low Vision? We Can Help!

If you or your loved one is struggling with low vision, please don't lose hope. Low vision technology helps people with severe vision loss maximize their vision so they can do the things they love. Read on to learn more about ways low vision aids, devices and glasses can help patients live more independent, full lives.

How Long Does It Take for Macular Degeneration to Progress?

Macular degeneration is a disease that can threaten your sight as it progresses, but early diagnosis and treatment can delay and even lower your risk of vision loss.

Are You Suddenly Seeing Dark Spots? Here’s What You Should Do

Seeing floaters is common and usually nothing to worry about. Yet there are times when floaters are a sign of a serious eye condition. Here’s what you need to know about eye floaters, and how Optical Images can help!

Is Myopia Management Worth The Financial Investment?

The most important reason for choosing myopia management is to protect your child’s precious gift of sight from sight-threatening eye diseases. But here’s an added benefit: it may save you money in the long run!

Can You Wear Contacts With Corneal Dystrophy?

If you have corneal dystrophy, it will become increasingly difficult to wear standard contact lenses. Scleral lenses are an excellent choice for patients with many types of corneal irregularities, including most types of corneal dystrophy. Read on to learn how Specialty Contact Lens Center At Optical Images can help.

3 Effective Ways to Relieve Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions in the world, yet many people put up with the discomfort, even though it's very treatable. Here are tips to help you deal with your dry eye symptoms, along with treatment from your eye doctor.

What Are the 5 Most Common Dry Eye Symptoms?

Many substances and situations can cause dry eyes, such as certain medications, hormonal changes, and your environment. No matter the cause, having dry eyes feels pretty terrible. Here we list the different symptoms of dry eye and address treatment options.

Ways You Can Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma

Unfortunately, glaucoma doesn't show any symptoms until its advanced stages. Read on to learn what you can to preserve your vision and live your best life.

5 Eye Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Here are 5 eye symptoms that you should never ignore. Call Optical Images without delay if you or a loved one experiences any of these eye or vision problems.

Low Vision Aids: Enhance Your Vision & Start Living Again

If you've been diagnosed with macular degeneration, glaucoma, or other sight-robbing eye diseases, don't lose hope. Low vision aids such as magnifiers, special glasses and devices can help those with vision loss lead an active life.

LASIK Complications: How Scleral Lenses Can Help You Regain Clear Vision

Have you or a loved one have experienced complications following LASIK or any other type of refractive surgery? Scleral lenses may be just the solution you need! Read on to learn how scleral contact lenses can help restore clear and healthy vision.

How to Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Myopia

Childhood myopia — nearsightedness — is reaching epidemic proportions. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of developing myopia.

Start The Year Right With A Pediatric Eye Exam

Every child should have a comprehensive eye exam before the start of the new school year. Just as you wouldn’t consider sending them to school without a backpack or a lunch box, make sure their eyes and vision are ready for the challenges ahead.

Why Get Custom Contact Lenses?

Custom contact lenses are specially designed to fit irregularly-shaped corneas. If you find wearing regular contact lenses uncomfortable, ask your optometrist if custom contact lenses are right for you.

How Does High Myopia Affect Eye Health?

High myopia isn’t just difficulty seeing faraway objects. It can actually increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life. Read on to find out how you can slow or halt your child’s myopia progression.

How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Vision Loss

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you're at risk of developing certain eye diseases. Read on to find out how to protect your vision.

Can I Be Blinded By A Nerf® Gun?

Did you know that Nerf® guns, a supposedly safe children’s toy, have been shown to cause eye injury in certain cases? What makes them so dangerous?

Age Reversal Diet May Lower the Risk of Macular Degeneration

A recent scientific study suggests that it may be possible to slow down or even reverse the aging process. Read on to learn how this could impact the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and how Low Vision Center At Optical Images can help.

Hyperopia and Your Child

Hyperopia affects near vision in children and young adults. Want to know more about hyperopia? Here we explain ways to recognize the condition and help your child if they have it.

Why Is There Sticky Mucus In My Eye?

Whether you call it eye goop, crusties or gunk, there are times when a bit of mucus around your eyes is normal — and times when it’s not. Learn how a dry eye optometrist can help.

Everything You Need To Know About Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge, resulting in blurry and distorted vision. Here are the most commonly asked questions about keratoconus.

Can Cataract Surgery Prevent Dementia?

Cataract surgery not only improves vision. Research suggests that cataract surgery may also prevent cognitive decline.

What Type of Sunglasses Are Best For People With Low Vision?

Sunglasses are important for everyone, and especially for people with low vision. Here are several things to consider when purchasing a new pair of sunglasses.

Can We Stop Myopia From Progressing?

Myopia management, an optometrist-developed program, can slow and even halt the progression of a child’s myopia. Read on to learn more.

June 27 Is National Sunglasses Day!

Here’s how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.

What’s The Connection Between Dry Eye And Asthma?

Studies have found a correlation between asthma and dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, a dry eye optometrist can help by treating your uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.

What’s the Difference Between Low Vision and Blindness?

Low vision is often thought of as blindness. However, low vision is only partial vision loss. Learn more about the different types of vision loss and how you can continue to be independent and keep doing the things you love.

7 Questions And Answers About Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a non-spherical cornea that causes blurred vision. Here are 7 frequently asked questions and answers regarding this very common refractive error.

What To Do if a Mosquito Bites Your Eyelid

Many of us spend the warm weather outdoors, barbecuing, camping, hiking, swimming. Although the itchy mosquito bites are typically associated with summer, mosquitos can be relentless and be a major pest, in the spring and even into the fall. Why do Mosquitoes Bite? Mosquitoes are small flying insects, but they...

What Eye Drops Are Best For My Eyes?

Are you suffering from red, irritated and scratchy eyes? Do you feel like you have something stuck in your eyes? These are hallmark symptoms of dry eye syndrome, a condition that occurs when your eyes are not properly lubricated due to insufficient tear production, blocked glands, or unbalanced tear composition....

Why Does Outdoor Time Delay Or Prevent Myopia?

Here’s another reason for parents to send their kids out to play. Research shows that spending 2 hours or more outdoors lowers the risk of developing myopia and slows its progression.

4 Common Myopia Myths Debunked

Myopia is an eye condition with increasing prevalence. While there is a lot of information out there on myopia, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to discover the REAL facts.

3 Benefits of Wearing Scleral Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are specially designed to vault over irregular corneas to create a smooth optical surface that provides sharp, comfortable vision. Here are 3 benefits of wearing scleral lenses.

Why Do Colors Appear Less Vibrant?

If once-bright colors seem less vivid than they used to, you may be developing cataracts or a serious eye disease. We will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and treat any problems we find.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to New Glasses?

Most people who wear glasses are familiar with the excitement and confidence boost that accompanies wearing new specs for the first time. But sometimes there is an adjustment period before your vision is fully comfortable. Things may look blurry, or you may notice feeling dizzy after prolonged wear. Some of...

6 Signs You May Need Glasses

Many people don't realize they have a vision problem. Perhaps they've gone years without glasses and haven't noticed the gradual change in their vision. Or they’ve noticed a change, but put off a visit to an eye doctor. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing problems, make an appointment with Dr. Ross...

Why You Shouldn’t Rub Your Eyes

We all instinctively rub our eyes, whether we're tired, our eyes are itchy or when something gets stuck in them. However, did you know that doing so poses a threat to your eye health and can potentially lead you to contract COVID-19? Read on to learn why eye doctors instruct people to avoid rubbing their eyes.

COVID-19 – What Constitutes an Eye Care Emergency? 

An eye care emergency is defined as medical care for conditions requiring prompt medical attention due to a sudden change in ocular or visual health.

Coronavirus and Your Eyes – What You Should Know

As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, health professionals are demanding that people limit their personal risk of contracting the virus by thoroughly washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the eyes play an...

This Contact Lens Can Actually Treat Dry Eye Syndrome!

Wearing traditional contact lenses is particularly uncomfortable when you have dry eye syndrome as it can further exacerbate itchy and irritated eyes. Fortunately, there is a lens that isn’t only comfortable but can also improve dry eye syndrome.

How Safe Are Overnight Contact Lenses?

Wearing lenses overnight has been shown to be safe and effective in slowing down myopia progression in children. That said, many parents believe orthokeratology involves a higher risk factor than other contact lens modalities. Let's take an open and honest look at some of the issues.

Sunburned Eyes? Beware of Snow Blindness!

Playing outside in a snowy winter wonderland can be magical. Under clear skies in the sunshine, the soft white landscape becomes just about irresistible, whether at home or travelling on a winter-weather get-away. Before you let your children run outside to build the most adorable snowman or fling themselves onto...

Here are some helpful and time saving tips before your appointment

An important update to our policies To comply with our Covid-19 guidelines, we can no longer provide the option of filling out or reviewing your paperwork in the office. All new patients must complete the online patient registration form at least 48 hours prior to their appointment or the appointment will potentially...

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