Correct Your Vision with LASIK at Evergreen Eye Center
The surgeons at Evergreen Eye Center have been performing refractive surgery in the Pacific Northwest for over 10 years. In the last year alone, greater than 90% of LASIK patients at Evergreen Eye Center have achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better, and all have passed their driver's license test without glasses! The surgeons of Evergreen Eye Center are thrilled to bring this level of excellence to our community. If you would like to find out more about LASIK and if it may help you achieve improved vision, please contact our LASIK coordinator today at (800) 340-3595, extension 112, or (206) 212-2112 to arrange a free screening.
Our Federal Way office is a state-of-the-art refractive surgery center. Evergreen Eye Center now has its own on-site VISX® STAR S4™ Excimer Laser System with the VISX® WaveFront™ upgrade! The advanced VISX® system uses computer technology to scan your eyes and measure their unique structure and vision correction needs. This data is then used to precisely calibrate the laser, so your LASIK procedure is extremely accurate and individualized to your eyes.
The LASIK Procedure:
A Revolution in Vision Correction
LASIK is the most popular, effective, and advanced method available for surgical correction of farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), and astigmatism. Over one million LASIK procedures have been carried out in the United States in recent years under the approval and oversight of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). LASIK surgery can dramatically reduce or even eliminate a person's dependence on glasses and contact lenses!
LASIK surgery takes only a few minutes per eye, and it can be done on both eyes in the same sitting in most cases. Eye drops are all that are required for anesthesia. Depending on your needs and the advanced technology you and your Evergreen eye surgeon select, most procedures will follow the same pattern. First, a suction device is placed on the eye to keep it still during the procedure. Then a thin flap is created on the front surface of the eye (cornea) with an instrument called a microkeratome. The flap remains hinged, but is carefully opened to expose the deeper corneal tissue. An excimer laser is then used to precisely reshape this underlying tissue, thereby enhancing the eye's ability to focus properly. The flap is then carefully replaced; no stitches are required.
After LASIK, patients often notice significantly improved vision immediately. Eye drops may be prescribed for use during the first few days after surgery, and vision usually stabilizes within several days. Postoperative pain is usually limited to a scratchy sensation that lasts a few hours. Most patients can return to work within 24 to 48 hours.
While serious complications are extremely rare, there are risks that must be considered when contemplating any surgical procedure. Your Evergreen eye surgeon will take the time to thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of the LASIK procedure with you. Some people may not be good candidates because of existing eye conditions or other health problems.
Beyond LASIK: Vision Correction Alternatives
Did you know that there are a number of procedures besides LASIK that can help improve your vision? The surgeons at Evergreen Eye Center work with each patient individually to understand their unique eye care needs and determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
PRK
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy, a procedure that was the most common vision correction surgery prior to the advent of LASIK. PRK is still an excellent alternative for those with large pupils or thin corneas that may disqualify them for LASIK surgery. In PRK, the exterior surface of the cornea is precisely shaped with the excimer laser (the same laser that is used for LASIK). The main difference between PRK and LASIK is that PRK does not require a flap to be cut in the exterior surface of the cornea. Because the surgical shaping takes place on the exterior layers of the cornea, complete healing and vision improvements from PRK surgery take longer to become evident, usually taking a few weeks or months.
LASEK
LASEK surgery is an option for those with thin or flat corneas that may not accommodate the LASIK procedure. During LASEK, very small incisions are made in the outer layer of the cornea. Then a solution is applied which loosens the edges and creates a flap that is much thinner and more delicate than the flap created during LASIK surgery. The flap is then held aside with a special instrument while the surgeon precisely shapes the lower layers of the cornea with an excimer laser. Finally, the flap is gently returned to its normal position. Healing time with LASEK may be slightly longer than with LASIK, although faster than with PRK.
For more information about LASIK, PRK, or LASEK, or to schedule your in-depth consultation with one of our experienced surgeons, please contact Evergreen Eye Center today at (800) 340-3595.
We'd love to hear from you! Please fill out our online contact form, or call us today.
Federal Way Office
34719 6th Avenue South
Federal Way, Washington 98003
Ph: (206) 212-2100 (Seattle)
Ph: (253) 927-5646 (Tacoma)
Fx: (206) 212-2175
Click for map and directions
Auburn Office
1101 Harvey Road
Auburn, Washington 98002
Ph: (253) 833-3000
Fx: (253) 833-0212
Click for map and directions
Burien location:
14031 Ambaum Blvd SW
Burien, Washington 98166
Ph: (206) 244-2398
Fx: (206) 244-4550
Click for map and directions
Enumclaw Office
2820 Griffin Avenue Suite 101
Enumclaw, Washington 98022
Ph: (253) 927-5646
Fx: (206) 212-2175
Click for map and directions