Getting older is a wonderful thing: you gain life experience, collect adventurous memories and often begin to notice changes in your body, including your eyes.
One of the things that is common as we age are cataracts. To the everyday person this might look like:
Clouding of the eyes
Blurred vision,
Double vision in one eye,
Colors can become hard to differentiate, and
Night vision can be troublesome (halos)
Most cataracts develop due to injury or aging and are caused by proteins and fibres that are broken down within the lens of the eye structure. These particles then cause vision to become hazy or clouded. Contributing factors to cataracts include:
Diabetes,
Aging,
Family history,
Smoking,
UV damage (sun exposure),
Obesity,
Eye trauma (including surgical procedures),
Excessive use of alcohol, and
Prolonged use of corticosteroids.
A cataract is basically a cloudy lens. The lens structure of your eye sits behind the colored part (your iris). As the proteins and fibres break down, the lens becomes increasingly cloudy and your vision begins to change. At first you may not even notice changes. With time the particulate in the lens alters the way your retina receives light and visual information because the light coming in is scattered and blocked by the haze. As a result, your vision becomes blurred. It is common for cataracts to happen in both eyes but most often do not progress at the same rate. So one eye might not have the same visual changes as the other.
There are 4 main types of cataracts:
Nuclear cataracts - these are focused on the center of the lens. These can cause objects far away to be blurry but near objects to appear clear. In some cases this type of cataract may actually seem to improve vision before making it worse. As vision gets worse and the lens begins to turn yellow/brown you might have problems differentiating colors.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts - this cataract is a small spot near the back of your lens that blocks the path of light. These tend to grow faster than other types of cataracts. People with this type often have trouble with night vision. It can cause glare and halos around light, reduce your vision in bright light, and will most often also affect your reading vision.
Congenital Cataracts - these are cataracts you can be born with or develop over childhood and are due to your genetics.They can be associated with infection or trauma from when you were in-utero. If they affect vision they are usually removed.
Cortical Cataracts - this type of cataract begins at the outer edge of the lens. It appears as white spots or streaks and as it grows, gets closer to the center of the lens. Eventually it spreads to the center and affects the light passing through the lens (and your ability to see.)
So what can you do to help prevent cataracts or slow their growth?
Eat healthy and exercise - like most health conditions the better shape you can keep yourself in the better your body is at warding off potential issues. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and limit processed foods. Increasing antioxidants in your diet can help ward off free radicals that do damage to tissues. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes managing any other health conditions you have - when you work with your health providers and conditions are in-check they are less likely to cause as much damage to your body than if they are left unregulated. (A major example of this is diabetes.)
Wear sunglasses - it looks good and protects you from harmful UV rays that damage your eyes.
Don’t smoke - this should be included under the “healthy lifestyle” but it truly is it’s own risk factor.
Get regular eye exams - your eye doctor can see the first signs of impending trouble and help you to ward it off or mitigate issues. You should be getting eye exams annually (they do a lot more than just check for your eye prescription!)
Reduce alcohol - alcohol increases cataract risk. It also contributes to a myriad of other health issues despite popular culture reinforcing its use. Limit, decrease or pull a full stop on your intake to help mitigate your risk.
How can you tell if you have cataracts?
Get an eye exam. There are 4 main parts to your eye exam that the optometrist looks at:
Vision test - how well you are able to see (think eye charts and the eye doctor asking is “1 or 2” is better)
Eye structure test - this is done with the slit lamp (the bright light microscope-looking tool in your eye exam). Your eye doctor is actually able to see into your eyeball and identify anything worrisome from a close up visual check.
Retinal exam - this is the part of the exam where you used to get dilation drops so the eye doctor could see deep into the eye structure to assess your retina. Though we still might require this at our office we have a special machine that is able to take photographs so we can look at what we need without the dilation drops (this prevents disrupting your day - dilation drops take time to work and leave you light sensitive afterwards.)
Fluid pressure test - also known as applanation tonometry. Where we can assess the pressure within your eyeball.
Treatment for cataracts:
If you have cataracts that are poorly affecting your vision then surgery is usually the recommended option. You will need to discuss with your eye doctor what is right for you and then they will refer you to an eye surgeon for the procedure.
Cataract surgery requires removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial clear lens. As with all surgery there are risks involved. This is normally done as a day procedure and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. You usually are awake during the surgery.
After the procedure you might be sore for a few days but are generally fully healed in a few weeks.
If you have cataracts requiring surgery in both eyes one will be done first. Once you have healed from the first surgery then the second eye will be done.
If you are having any eye concerns, have questions or haven’t seen an eye doctor in more than a year then it’s time to get checked. Call or text us at Eyes On You to get an appointment now 206-467-1006. We have spots available at both our Seattle Downtown and Eastlake practices.
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Essential Facial 60 min
Indulge in the ultimate pampering experience with our 60-minute customized facial, tailored specifically to address your unique skincare needs. Designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin, this luxurious treatment combines expert techniques, high-quality products, and personalized attention to deliver exceptional results.
Gentlemen's Skin Rejuvination 60 min
Indulge in the ultimate pampering experience with our 60-minute customized facial, tailored specifically to address men’s unique skincare needs. Designed to rejuvenate, revitalize, and hydrate your skin, this luxurious treatment combines expert techniques, high quality products, and personalized attention to deliver exceptional results.
Deluxe Facial 90min
Expand your horizons and extend your time getting pampered with this luxurious facial. We will take this 90 minutes to elevate what we are able to do for your skin. We will sooth, exfoliate, hydrate and moisturize while using relaxing and effective massage techniques to give you the best skin possible.
Chemical Peels (booked after consultation)
Free Skin Consultation 15min
Deep back cleanse 60min
Lash Lift
A semi-permanent service that lifts and curls lashes to give them the appearance of being fuller and thicker. $100
Lash Tint
A semi-permanent service that dyes your lashes to give them not only a darker appearance without the daily use of mascara, but also fuller and thicker. $45
Lash Lift + Tint
Combo service to lift, curl, and darken lashes to give them a fuller and thicker appearance. $140
Paraffin Hand Treatment - $15
Includes a warm, liquid wax used to hydrate and soften hands and massage.
Lip Treatment - $15
Includes lip cleanse, scrub, and mask to soften and hydrate lips.
Eye Treatment - $15
Includes massage and mask to hydrate and help smooth out fine lines around eyes.
Lux Eyes 110min
Indulge in the ultimate beauty experience with our Lux Eyes Package – a comprehensive offering that will elevate your eyes to new heights of elegance. This all-inclusive package includes a Lash Lift & Tint, giving you naturally captivating curl and depth, while our Brow Lamination & Tint ensures your brows are impeccably sculpted and defined. As a finishing touch, enjoy the convenience of an aftercare product to maintain your flawless look at home. Elevate your gaze and redefine your beauty with our Lux Eyes Package – because your eyes deserve nothing but the best.
Screen Time Refresh Package 60min
This package is perfect for those who spend time on screens, which is the most significant contributor to dry fatigued eyes. Rest your eyes, while we work to rejuvenate them through radio frequency TempSure Envi treatment, which will improve oil production and flow and tighten the skin around your eyes, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and lid laxity. This is followed with a hydrating under eye mask while we massage out those kinks in your neck. We conclude your treatment with the application of a hydrating and firming eye serum and cream. No package is complete without taking home our H”EYE”DRATING Eye Serum complementary for you.
Calming Rosacea Package 75min
Handsome Man 105min
Handsome Man Package, tailored to elevate your grooming game to new heights of sophistication. Embark on a journey of self-care with our Skin Rejuvenation Facial, designed to invigorate and revitalize your skin’s natural radiance. Complement your suave appearance with a precise Brow cleanup, ensuring your brows are perfectly shaped and defined. Unveil your dapper side with an Ear & Nostril Wax, for a polished look that exudes confidence. To top it all off, take home an aftercare product, guaranteeing that your refined appearance lasts.
Lash lift 90min
Brow lamination 30min
Lash and/or Brow tint
Discover the power of enhanced definition as we skillfully apply a custom tint to your brows or lashes. Whether you’re aiming for bolder brows or more pronounced lashes, our expert technicians will craft a look that suits your style and preferences. Say goodbye to daily makeup routines and hello to effortlessly striking features. Add-ons to lash and brow services allow 15min for brows and 30min for lashes.
Waxing
Enhance your beauty experience with our versatile add-on options, allowing you to tailor your treatment to perfection. Enjoy the luxury of precise waxing, ensuring smooth and flawless skin that leaves you feeling confident. Sculpt your brows with expert shaping, framing your features for maximum impact and a polished appearance. For those seeking consistent radiance, opt for maintenance services that keep your brows in impeccable condition over time.
Brow shaping - Working with you to create a brow shape that meets your needs and works well for your face shape
Brow maintenance - Maintain the shape that the client currently has, remove excess hair around the area
Nostril wax - It effectively removes unwanted nose hairs, providing a clean and well-groomed appearance
Lash Lift and Tint 105min
Gentlemen's Skin Rejuvination 60 mins
Indulge in the ultimate pampering experience with our 60-minute customized facial, tailored specifically to address men’s unique skincare needs. Designed to rejuvenate, revitalize, and hydrate your skin, this luxurious treatment combines expert techniques, high quality products, and personalized attention to deliver exceptional results.
Deep back cleanse 60min
Indulge in the rejuvenating Deep Back Cleanse treatment, designed to revitalize and purify your skin. This soothing experience includes a nourishing mask to replenish your skin's vitality, a high-frequency session to stimulate circulation and promote healing, and gentle extractions to rid your back of impurities. Unwind as our skilled therapists pamper you, leaving your back feeling refreshed, clear, and renewed.
Brow Cleanup 30 min
Sounds just like it is - we'll clean up those brows using whatever our aesthetician feels is needed - wax and tweezing and scissors are the tools we use. $30
Ear Wax/ Tweeze 15 min
Nostril Wax 15 min
Handsome Man Package 105min
Full Face 60 min
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), frequently referred to as a “Photofacial,” uses broad-band light filtered to target areas of hyperpigmentation, such as freckles, sunspots or age spots, and vascular lesions, such as telangiectasia (spider veins) and Rosacea, promoting a more even skin tone. This therapy is non-invasive and has little to no downtime. Optimal results are achieved in a series, typically 3-5 sessions spaced at least 3 weeks apart. Ask about our series pricing for discounts.
IPL Eyes 45min
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) has been shown to improve meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) such as dry eyes, styes, and chalazions. IPL therapy for dry eye relief can be performed independently or for optimal results, in combination with radio frequency (see our Dry Eye Relief series). This treatment can be performed on the full face for improvement in skin tone.
Turn Back The Clock Series
This series is perfect for all of us wanting to age gracefully. Over a series of months, you will receive three full face IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial treatments aimed at reducing pigmented lesions such as sun and age spots and vascular lesions such as telangiectasia and excessive redness. Three full face RF (radio frequency) treatments will work to build up collagen and elastin in your dermis to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your spa experience continues with three 90-minute Deluxe Facials, European-style facials customized to address your skin goals. To maximize the benefits of your RF treatments, you will receive our Ultra Hydration Serum complimentary along with our Green Machine to calm and soothe the skin after your IPL treatments.
Dry Eye Relief Series
This series will target the complex condition of dry eyes through a combination therapy of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio frequency (RF). You will receive both therapies at each of the 4 sessions. These treatments are non-invasive with little to no down time. Together, the IPL and RF will work to melt the clogged meibum (oil) for improved flow and expression, regenerate your meibomian glands (the eye’s oil glands) for optimal meibum production, tighten and tone the skin around your eyes for improved appearance and reduction in weeping of tears, decrease inflammation to the eyes, and destroy bacteria and mites that contribute to ocular rosacea and stye and chalazion formation. You will receive pre- and post-treatment instructions to maximize the benefits of these treatments. While many skin care products contain ingredients that further contribute to dry eyes, our results-base Eyes On You medical skincare line has been selected for its safety with dry eyes. You will receive two products selected for your specific skin needs complimentary. Full-face treatments with IPL and/or RF can be added to this series if you want to receive the wrinkle-reduction benefits of radio frequency or skin tone evening with IPL for your whole face. Anticipate your first session to be at least 60min.
Turn Back The Clock Series
This series is perfect for all of us wanting to age gracefully. Over a series of months, you will receive three full face IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial treatments aimed at reducing pigmented lesions such as sun and age spots and vascular lesions such as telangiectasia and excessive redness. Three full face RF (radio frequency) treatments will work to build up collagen and elastin in your dermis to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your spa experience continues with three 90-minute Deluxe Facials, European-style facials customized to address your skin goals. To maximize the benefits of your RF treatments, you will receive our Ultra Hydration Serum complimentary along with our Green Machine to calm and soothe the skin after your IPL treatments.
Dry Eye Relief Series
This series will target the complex condition of dry eyes through a combination therapy of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio frequency (RF). You will receive both therapies at each of the 4 sessions which are booked 3-4 weeks apart. These treatments are non-invasive with little to no down time. Together, the IPL and RF will work to melt the clogged meibum (oil) for improved flow and expression, regenerate your meibomian glands (the eye’s oil glands) for optimal meibum production, tighten and tone the skin around your eyes for improved appearance and reduction in weeping of tears, decrease inflammation to the eyes, and destroy bacteria and mites that contribute to ocular rosacea and stye and chalazion formation. You will receive pre- and post-treatment instructions to maximize the benefits of these treatments. While many skin care products contain ingredients that further contribute to dry eyes, our results-base Eyes On You medical skincare line has been selected for its safety with dry eyes. You will receive two products selected for your specific skin needs complimentary. Full-face treatments with IPL and/or RF can be added to this series if you want to receive the wrinkle-reduction benefits of radio frequency or skin tone evening with IPL for your whole face. Anticipate your first session to be at least 60min.
RF Full Face 75min
Radio frequency (RF) uses energy to heat the tissues of your skin, resulting in the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of your dermis. With a series of treatments (typically one for every decade of life lived), you will see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and improved density and elasticity to your skin. You can relax with dimmed lights and the sensation of a hot stone massage as we perform this therapy around your eyes, forehead, mouth, and cheeks. Treatment of your neck can easily be added. See our series pricing for discounts.
RF Eyes 45min
Radio frequency (RF) has been shown to improve meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) such as dry eyes. RF uses energy to heat the tissues around your eyes and the meibum (oil). While you relax to the sensation of a hot stone massage, your meibum will liquify, improving flow and ease of expression. Over the next few days, your meibomian glands (oil glands of the eye) will start regenerating and the skin around your eyes will start producing new collagen and elastin. RF therapy for dry eye relief can be performed independently or for optimal results, in combination with intense pulsed light (see our Dry Eye Relief series). This treatment can be performed on the full face for improvement in fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, forehead, cheeks, and neck.
RF Neck 30min
Radio frequency (RF) treatment of the neck can be easily added to your RF Full Face, RF Eyes, or Dry Eye Relief series treatments to tighten and tone the skin of your neck and jawline.
Turn Back The Clock Series
This series is perfect for all of us wanting to age gracefully. Over a series of months, you will receive three full face IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial treatments aimed at reducing pigmented lesions such as sun and age spots and vascular lesions such as telangiectasia and excessive redness. Three full face RF (radio frequency) treatments will work to build up collagen and elastin in your dermis to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your spa experience continues with three 90-minute Deluxe Facials, European-style facials customized to address your skin goals. To maximize the benefits of your RF treatments, you will receive our Ultra Hydration Serum complimentary along with our Green Machine to calm and soothe the skin after your IPL treatments.
Dry Eye Relief Series
This series will target the complex condition of dry eyes through a combination therapy of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio frequency (RF). You will receive both therapies at each of the 4 sessions. These treatments are non-invasive with little to no down time. Together, the IPL and RF will work to melt the clogged meibum (oil) for improved flow and expression, regenerate your meibomian glands (the eye’s oil glands) for optimal meibum production, tighten and tone the skin around your eyes for improved appearance and reduction in weeping of tears, decrease inflammation to the eyes, and destroy bacteria and mites that contribute to ocular rosacea and stye and chalazion formation. You will receive pre- and post-treatment instructions to maximize the benefits of these treatments. While many skin care products contain ingredients that further contribute to dry eyes, our results-base Eyes On You medical skincare line has been selected for its safety with dry eyes. You will receive two products selected for your specific skin needs complimentary. Full-face treatments with IPL and/or RF can be added to this series if you want to receive the wrinkle-reduction benefits of radio frequency or skin tone evening with IPL for your whole face. Anticipate your first session to be at least 60min.
RF Cellulite Management
Radio frequency (RF) uses energy to heat the tissues of the skin to improve circulation, increase collagen and elastin production, and melt adipose tissue (fat). When performed in a series of sessions, this tissue heating and massaging therapy results in a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Please request consultation for this service and pricing.
RF Body Conturing
Deep Cleanse Back Treatment 45 min
This treament will focus on the skin area of your back. Special care will be taken to address individualized skin needs and gentle extractions will take place. Please allow 45 minutes for this service. $150
Microneedling Treatment
One fine body…