Glaucoma Awareness: Detecting and Managing the Silent Thief of Sight 

Eyesight is often considered one of our most valuable senses, allowing us to perceive the world around us in vivid detail. However, there’s a condition that silently threatens this precious sense—glaucoma. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it can cause irreparable damage without showing early symptoms. As we enter […]

Are You a Candidate for LASIK? Find Out Now! 

Are You a Candidate for LASIK in St. Louis

Are you tired of constantly reaching for your glasses or fumbling with contact lenses? Do you dream of waking up with clear vision and bidding farewell to vision correction devices? LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, may be the answer you’re looking for. But how do you know if you’re a suitable candidate for this […]

Your Top Five Pediatric Eye Care Questions Answered

In the world of parenting, ensuring the well-being of your child often involves navigating a maze of uncertainties. When it comes to their vision, the stakes are high, and questions abound. As a parent, you may find yourself pondering the intricacies of pediatric eye care, wondering about the right time for your child’s first eye […]

LASIK for Patients with Diabetes: Is It Safe? 

Diabetes

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, is a popular and effective vision correction procedure that has transformed the lives of millions of people by providing freedom from glasses and contact lenses. However, for individuals with diabetes, the decision to undergo LASIK surgery requires careful consideration. Addressing Concerns for Diabetic Individuals LASIK is a […]

Digital Eye Strain: Tips for a Healthier Screen Time

Digital Eye Strain

Understanding and Managing Digital Eye Strain In today’s digital age, it’s become almost impossible to avoid screens. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers, we rely on digital devices for work, communication, and entertainment. However, this increasing screen time has brought with it a concerning side effect – digital eye strain. This condition, […]

Unveiling the Silent Threat: Diabetic Retinopathy

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, a dedicated time to focus on the importance of eye health in individuals living with diabetes. As a silent and potentially blinding complication, diabetic eye diseases, such as Diabetic Retinopathy, demand attention. Parth Shah, DO, Retina Fellow 2022-2024, sheds light on this progressive eye disease caused by diabetes. […]

LASIK for Military Personnel: Benefits and Considerations

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, commonly known as LASIK, has revolutionized vision correction and provided numerous benefits to individuals in various walks of life. Among those who stand to gain significantly from LASIK are military personnel. Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of LASIK for our service members. Benefits of LASIK for Military Personnel 1. Enhanced […]

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month | What is Diabetic Eye Disease?

Diabetic Eye Disease

November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, a time when we shine a spotlight on the lesser-known consequences of diabetes, a condition affecting millions worldwide. While diabetes primarily involves managing blood sugar levels, it can also silently threaten our eyesight. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many are familiar […]

The Spooky Risks of Non-Prescription Colored Contacts for Halloween

colored contact lenses for Halloween

Halloween is the time of year when people go all out to transform themselves into their favorite ghouls, superheroes, or creatures of the night. From elaborate costumes to face paint, it’s all about having fun and getting into the spirit of the holiday. Many people opt to complete their spooky looks with colored contact lenses, […]

WashU LASIK Continuing Education Event Fall 2023

WashU LASIK Continuing Education Event Fall 2023

A Night of Learning: Highlights from Our LASIK Continuing Education Event On October 17, 2023, our WashU LASIK team had the pleasure of hosting a continuing education dinner for local optometrists. It was a night filled with engaging discussions, informative presentations, and delicious food. We were thrilled to see so many optometrists in attendance, eager […]

Guide to Refractive Errors

Types of refractive errors Is it genetic? Many genetic syndromes put patients at higher risk for developing refractive errors. All types of refractive errors are hereditary and contain a significant genetic component.  The traits underlying refractive error such as the length of the eye and the curvature of the cornea are also heritable.  Refractive errors […]

6 Common Eye Care Myths

Taking care of your eyes is important for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding eye care that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful practices. Optometrist, Lindsey Thomas debunks six common eye care myths to help you better understand how to protect your eyes and maintain […]

Is Marijuana a Treatment for Glaucoma?

To properly answer this question, lets first define marijuana and glaucoma. Cannabis sativa is a plant that contains chemical substances called cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most commonly referenced cannabinoids and have effects on certain receptors within the brain and body, including the eye. Marijuana is a portion of the cannabis sativa […]

How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation is a form of energy produced by the sun that is invisible to the human eye. It is widely known that excessive UV exposure increases your risk of skin cancer, but it can also damage your eyes. Optometrist, Nathan Tuttle, OD, provides some tips on how you can protect your eyes from […]

5 Most Common Vision Problems

At some point in our lives, many of us will experience vision problems. Whether it’s eye irritation, difficulty reading small print, or struggling to see objects at a distance, these issues can significantly impact our quality of life. To help you better understand these common vision problems, optometrist Julia Pulliam, OD, FAAO, has compiled a […]

The Hidden Benefits of LASIK

LASIK can improve your quality of life by providing clear and lasting vision. Don’t let the initial cost of LASIK deter you from experiencing the hidden savings and benefits that come with this life-changing procedure. There are many benefits to having LASIK surgery, including: Investing in LASIK surgery can be a practical choice for those […]

8 Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Contact lenses provide effective and safe vision correction to more than 140 million people worldwide. It is estimated nearly 1 in 6 Americans wear contact lenses or nearly 45 million people. Contact lenses sit on the cornea, the clear button of tissue that covers the colored part of your eye. The cornea is like the […]

Eye Care Providers: What’s the difference and who do I choose?

When scheduling an eye exam, it is important to make sure you are seeing the right type of provider to meet your eye care needs. Each team member plays an important role in providing eye care, but sometimes those roles can get confused. The major difference between the types of eye care providers is the […]

What if you are not a candidate for LASIK?

Washington University LASIK Surgery Center opened in the Summer of 2022 in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Our LASIK Center’s Medical Director, Stephen Wexler, MD, is one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in the Midwest. Dr. Wexler and the Clinical Director, Eric Polk, OD, FAAO, have worked together for 20 years providing the St. Louis metro area with vision […]

Please Welcome Stephen Wexler, MD

We would like to welcome Dr. Wexler to our clinical faculty! Dr. Wexler will be the director of our new LASIK & Refractive Surgery Center opening in spring 2022. Dr. Stephen Wexler has been performing refractive surgery since 1991. He is one of the most experienced surgeons in the country, having performed more than 70,000 […]