Refractive Disorders in Portland, OR

Refractive disorders occur when the eye cannot properly focus light, resulting in blurred or distorted vision that can interfere with everyday life. These conditions can often be treated with advanced vision correction options, including LASIK, depending on a patient’s needs. 

Dr. Stanley Crews is a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than 30 years of experience treating refractive conditions and is an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. His extensive training and patient-centered approach allow him to recommend the most appropriate treatment for each patient. If you are located in Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA, Dr. Crews and his team are here to help you explore your vision correction options.

What Are Refractive Disorders?

Refractive disorders occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. These conditions affect how clearly you see objects at near, far, or all distances. While glasses and contact lenses can compensate for these vision problems, refractive surgery offers a more permanent solution by correcting how light enters the eye.

Types of Refractive Disorders

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Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Nearsightedness occurs when the eye focuses incoming light in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurred while near vision remains clearer. By adjusting the shape of the cornea, vision correction treatment enhances the way light is focused within the eye. This involves the precise removal of microscopic amounts of tissue from the central cornea, helping improve clarity for distance vision.

Astigmatism

An irregular corneal shape can cause light to focus unevenly on the retina, leading to astigmatism and blurred vision at multiple distances. Treatment involves reshaping the cornea to create a more uniform curvature.

By precisely adjusting how tissue is removed in specific areas of the cornea, vision correction procedures help light focus more clearly and consistently.

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Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Farsightedness occurs when light entering the eye does not bend enough to focus properly on the retina, which can make close-up tasks more difficult and cause eye strain. Vision correction for farsightedness involves reshaping the cornea to enhance its focusing power.

This is achieved by carefully removing tissue from the outer areas of the cornea, allowing the central cornea to become steeper and improving near vision clarity.

Presbyopia

As we get older, we gradually lose the ability to change focus from distance to near. Usually beginning in their 40s, people experience blurred vision at near points, such as when reading, sewing, or working on the computer. This condition is called presbyopia, and it makes reading and other close work increasingly difficult. As this occurs, people who have been nearsighted or farsighted begin to wear bifocals. People who have never worn glasses begin to wear reading glasses for close-up work.

The excimer laser is not used to treat this condition because reshaping the cornea will not affect the aging changes occurring to the lens inside the eye. However, a laser vision correction option called monovision is available.

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How LASIK Treats Refractive Disorders

LASIK uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea, helping light focus more accurately on the retina. During treatment, an excimer laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue tailored to your individual vision needs.

  • Myopia is corrected by flattening the cornea
  • Hyperopia is treated by steepening the central cornea
  • Astigmatism is corrected by making the cornea more symmetrical

By restoring proper focus within the eye, LASIK can provide clearer, more stable vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for LASIK?

Many people with refractive disorders are excellent candidates for LASIK, but a comprehensive eye exam is necessary to determine eligibility. Ideal candidates typically:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have a stable vision prescription
  • Have healthy eyes and adequate corneal thickness
  • Do not have certain eye diseases or uncontrolled medical conditions
  • Are not pregnant or nursing

During your consultation, Dr. Crews will evaluate your eye health, visual goals, and lifestyle to determine whether LASIK or another vision correction option is best for you.

Alternatives to LASIK

While LASIK is a popular and effective procedure, it is not the right choice for everyone. Depending on your eyes and visual needs, Dr. Crews may recommend an alternative refractive solution, such as:

  • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): A laser procedure similar to LASIK that may be better suited for patients with thinner corneas
  • Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL): An option for patients with higher prescriptions or who are not LASIK candidates
  • Refractive Lens Exchange: Often recommended for patients with presbyopia or early cataracts
  • Monovision Correction: A technique that allows one eye to focus on distance and the other on near vision

Each option offers unique benefits, and Dr. Crews takes a personalized approach to finding the most effective treatment for each patient.

Why Choose Dr. Stanley Crews for Refractive Disorder Treatment?

Crews LASIK & Cataract Center is led by Stanley L. Crews, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist with more than 30 years of experience providing advanced vision correction for patients throughout Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA, and Central Oregon. 

Dr. Crews is an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and is highly regarded for his precision, judgment, and patient-focused care. His extensive training and expertise in LASIK, refractive lens exchange, and cataract surgery allow him to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique visual needs. 

With advanced technology, a proven record of excellent outcomes, and a commitment to personalized care, Crews LASIK & Cataract Center offers patients confidence, clarity, and trusted expertise when choosing refractive disorder treatment.

Advanced Laser Vision Correction in Portland, OR

Monovision laser vision correction is designed to improve both distance and near vision by optimizing each eye for a different focal point, reducing the need for reading glasses for many patients. For many patients, this approach offers a practical solution to age-related vision changes without sacrificing everyday comfort or clarity.

To schedule your consultation, call 800-757-3525 and speak with our experienced team today.

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