Laser Vision Correction
The Highest Standards
At EyeHealth Northwest Surgery Centers we go beyond meeting the normal standards for eye surgery. Our Lasik surgery center has been giving unsurpassed results and safety to EyeHealth Northwest patients since 1999. The surgeons of EyeHealth Northwest play an active role in ensuring the quality and safety of our patients’ surgical experience. We are often the first in the region to employ the latest Lasik, Cataract and Intraocular Lens Implant technology, and of course we use only the finest equipment as a standard for all patients.
A Great Experience
As guardians of the eye health, our staff places your safety first. But our mission is to provide you with the best surgical experience of your life. We closely monitor our patient satisfaction surveys to continually improve, and routinely receive glowing reviews from our patients. From the moment you arrive, our staff is dedicated to making your eye surgery a relaxing, pain free, and yes, even enjoyable experience.
Boasting an unparalleled combination of 9 board-certified LASIK surgeons, EyeHelath NW is dedicated to delivering the highest quality care in the safest manner possible. VISX STAR S4™ with CustomVue Wavefront & Iris Registration compliments our gold standard of care while providing proven advantages for our patients.
- ActiveTrak 3-D EyeTracker:
Infrared camera actively follows the tiniest motions of your eye in all three dimensions so you can relax during your surgery knowing the procedure will be delivered accurately. - ActiveTrak 3-D Automatic Centering:
EyeHealth NW doctors to precisely identify the center of your pupil and keep the laser centered to within 50 microns(about the width of a human hair) even if your eye moves. - WavePrint map:
Gives us a "Fingerprint of your vision" that is a precise, more detailed analysis of your entire visual system to ensure optimal treatment results. - Variable Spot Scanning:
Allows for a larger treatment area and gives your doctor greater flexibility to personalize you surgery. - Point Spread Function:
Diagnostic data shows how you would see a point source of light, providing us an additional perspective on how your eyes focus light.
With CustomVue™ or Wavefront Guided laser vision correction, a new, higher standard is established, providing a precise level of measurement and correction never before possible. Using WaveScan® based digital technology, originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space, we can now identify, measure and correct imperfections in an individual's eyes 25 times more precisely than with standard methods used for glasses and contact lenses. This information is electronically transferred to the laser, providing a new level of precision and accuracy.
In order to provide the best custom treatment to achieve long-term visual freedom, EyeHealth Northwest Surgeons incorporate the diagnostics of Visx Wavefront technology to create a 3-D map of the patient’s eye that details any irregularities to be evaluated for surgery. During surgery, they use the 3-D map to precisely program the excimer laser so that it delivers a customized treatment that reflects the unique vision correction needs of the patient.
To further enhance safety and precision, EyeHealth Northwest’s surgeons use the ActiveTrak 3-D Active Eye Tracking technology and Iris Registration, which follows the movements of the patient’s eye during surgery and adjusts the laser as necessary.
Reaching the full potential of your vision.
The pattern of visual imperfections in your eye is as unique to you as your fingerprint. Before these recent advancements in technology, doctors were only able to use standard measurements to correct vision, meaning that prescriptions could only provide a certain level of correction regardless of an individual's needs.
CustomVue™ allows us to measure these visual imperfections at 200 individual points. EyeHealth NW surgeons can treat each of the 200 points individually to create a personalized vision correction that is ideal for you.
Since the approval of laser vision correction in 1995, millions of people have eliminated their nearsighted, farsightedness or astigmatism and reduced their dependence on glasses and contact lens. EyeHealth NW surgeons perform two types of laser vision correction surgeries: Surface Laser Vision Correction and LASIK.
When considering surgery, most patients want the quickest recovery. We are going to consider your safety and quality of vision first and recommend what is best for your long-term eye health.
Surface Laser Vision Correction:
Your surgeon may recommend Surface Laser Vision Correction if you have thin or weak corneas or dry eyes.
During Surface Laser Vision Correction, the laser reshapes the surface of the cornea after the outer layers of cells of the cornea are removed. A Bandage contact lens is then inserted on the eye for comfort. New layers of cells grow back over the treated area usually in three to seven days. Most patients return to work in 1 week.
LASIK
Your surgeon may recommend LASIK if your preoperative exam in within normal limits and you require a faster recovery.
During LASIK, a thin layer of tissue is folded back from the surface of the cornea. After the laser reshapes the cornea, the tissue is folded back into place, where it bonds quickly. LASIK requires no needles and no stitches. Most patients return to work in 1 day.
Comparison of Surface Laser Vision Correction and LASIK
| Surface Laser Vision Correction | LASIK | |
| Laser | CustomVue Visx S4 | CustomVue Visx S4 |
| Intraoperative Pain | None | None |
| Post-Operative Pain | Mild to Moderate 24-48 hours | Minimal 12 hours |
| Post-Operative Medications | 3weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Functional Vision Recovery | 3-5 days | 24 hours |
| Visual Results Fully Recognized | 3 weeks to several months | 1-6 weeks |
| Return to Work | 5-7 days | 1-2 days |
- A complete-comprehensive consultation exam with an EyeHealth LASIK Surgeon. This exam involves a comprehensive eye exam with an in-depth assessment of the refractive status of the eye including corneal topography, corneal pachymetry, pupil measurements, slit lamp exam of the lids, cornea and natural tear production assessment.
- Patients participate in a thorough discussion with their surgeon identifying their surgical options.
- For patients who are not excellent candidates for surgery, appropriate referral to our optical shop or contact lens clinics can be arranged. EyeHealth Northwest is a full service clinic offering all forms of vision correction allowing patients to comfortably choose the best option for their eyes.
WaveScan Measurments
- WaveScan measurements and CustomVue treatment provide individual customized correction.
- WaveScan appointment is scheduled 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.
Pre-Operative Exam
- This exam is a comprehensive vision assessment & eye health evaluation diagnosed by EyeHealth Physician
- Patients then discuss exam results and Laser Vision Correction Risk, Benefits and Alternatives.
Your Surgery
- Laser Vision Correction Procedure scheduled at our surgeon owned East Side Surgery Center
- Our surgery center has been providing unsurpassed results and safety to EyeHealth Northwest patients since 1999. The surgeons of EyeHealth Northwest play an active role in ensuring the quality and safety of our patients’ surgical experience.
Visual Freedom
- You will be seen the next day for a post-operative appointment.
- Enjoy the freedom of life without your glasses or contact lens! Clarity 24|7.
EyeHealth NW makes vision correction surgery affordable for any budget by offering options to assist you in paying for your procedure.
Compared to the cost of glasses and contact lenses over a ten-year period to the cost of LASIK, LASIK can be a more economical option.
We are pleased to offer CareCredit, North America's leading patient payment program. CareCredit lets you have your procedure immediately-then pay for it over time with a payment schedule that fits your budget.
| Care Credit | Care Credit | Save Even More.. |
| Interest -Free Financing | Extended Plan |
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Interest Free Payment Plan: 3, 6, 12, 18 or 24 months
Take up to 24 months to pay and not owe a penny of interest. Interest does accrue at 22.98% APR but will be waived if you pay the principal within the term and make minimum monthly payments.
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Extended Plan up to 60 months for the most flexible monthly payment
With the Extended Payment Plan you put nothing down, and can spread your payments over 60 months with interest of 13.9%.
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Flexible Spending
Convenient saving plan through your employer allows you to use pre-tax payroll deduction for non-covered medical expenses. Health Insurance Discount |
1. Is Vision Correction Surgery Performed With A Laser?
PRK and LASIK are procedures that use the laser to correct vision problems. Deciding which procedure is best for you depends on several factors, and is determined at the time of your Consultation with an EyeHealth NW Surgeron.
2. Is Vision Correction Surgery A Permanent Procedure?
Yes, however, it does not prevent the eyes from developing optical changes, if they are naturally predisposed to do so. It is important to have a thorough evaluation with a board certified surgeon to assess your LASIK candidacy.
3. How Is The Lasik Procedure Performed?
The word "LASIK", is an acronym for Laser Intrastromal Keratomileusis. The technique involves raising a very thin flap on the surface of the cornea using a device known as a microkeratome, and then applying the laser to the underlying tissue. The flap is then replaced back to its original position and adheres naturally as it heals.
4. Are Risks Associated With Vision Correction Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure there are certain risks inherent in eye surgery. However, relative to the majority of surgical procedures, Vision Correction surgeries are some of the safest, with very low complication rates. If you follow our directions and use good common sense, the risks are low.
5. What Is Astigmatism, and Can It Be Corrected?
The eye should be round, like a basketball. If the front surface of the eye has a shape like a football, then it has astigmatism. Astigmatism can be corrected by the laser, either with PRK or the LASIK techniques.
6. If I Am Nearsighted Or Farsighted and Have Astigmatism, Do I Need Separate Procedures?
No. Astigmatism in most cases can be corrected during the same procedure as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
7. My Teenager Is 16 And Nearsighted, Can He Have The Procedure?
Because the eye does not fully develop until approximately age 18, we do not perform surgery on younger people. Only patients whose eyes have remained stable for at least 1 year are those considered for surgery.
8. I Enjoy Scuba Diving And Swimming. Will I Be Able To Enjoy These Activities Following The Procedure?
Yes. This procedure has opened a whole new world for patients who are water enthusiasts and who previously could not wear glasses in the water or was afraid of losing their contact lenses. We typically advise our patients these activities for 2 weeks after the procedure.
9. Will The Surgery Inhibit My Ability To See At Night?
Most people find that they enjoy better night vision after the healing process is complete, but some patients do notice visual changes at night, either because of some blurring of vision, glare or halos around lights. These symptoms are rarely worse than that previously experienced with contact lenses.
10. How Long Do I Have To Take Special Precautions After Surgery?
You may resume most normal activities the day following surgery. However, you should avoid driving until you feel completely safe with your vision, which may take 24-72 hours. You should also avoid swimming or "jarring" types of sports for 3 weeks. If you participate in sports, you should always wear protective eyewear.
11. Can I Be Guaranteed 20/20 Vision?
No reputable surgeon would guarantee 20/20 vision. However, 99% of our patients enjoy 20/40 vision or better; clear enough to pass a driver’s test without correction.
12. Are Both Eyes Performed At The Same Time?
We usually perform LASIK on both eyes at the same time, however, with PRK having one eye done at a time is normal. Expect a minimum of one week in between eyes when having PRK.
13. Can Contact Lenses Ever Be Worn Again After Surgery?
Generally, if you were able to wear contact lenses before surgery, you will be able to wear them after surgery. Conversely, if you have been unsuccessful wearing contacts before surgery, you would unlikely to be more successful after surgery. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce your dependence on contacts and glasses, but should you wish to wear them for cosmetic reasons or for some precision work, you should be able to do so.
14. Is The Surgery Painful?
Pain during surgery is extremely rare because of strong anesthetic drops placed on the eye. You will be awake during surgery and your responsiveness is important. A mild sedative can be given that will not interfere with the procedure, if the patient chooses. After the anesthetic has worn off there may be a scratchy or itchy sensation. Rarely will patients have moderate pain, but if this occurs it will be resolved by 48-72 hours. Although most patients do not require oral painkillers, a prescription can be given if the patient chooses.
15. Is There Scarring From The Procedure?
A small percentage of patients who have PRK may develop persistent haze or scarring that may need to be treated. LASIK patients experience virtually no scarring, a distinct advantage for those who qualify for this procedure.
16. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EFFECTS AFTER SURGERY?
During the healing period, which lasts from weeks to months, slight fluctuations in vision can occur. Sometimes a patient may experience problems with glare and/or halos, mostly at night. Generally, as the cornea stabilizes, these symptoms are reduced and in most cases eliminated.
17. Will I Still Need Reading Glasses When I Get Older?
Vision Correction Surgery will not stop the natural aging process of the eye, and those who enter their forties will still experience presbyopia, which necessitates the use of reading glasses. If you are currently in that age group, however, it is often possible to create "monovision" during surgery. This allows one eye to have better near vision and the other better for distance vision. You may still require reading glasses for some or most near tasks.
19. Will My Insurance Company Pay For Vision Correction Surgery?
Most companies consider Vision Correction Surgery to be elective, and do not provide coverage. In our experience, a few insurance companies extend discount and we will be happy to inquire for you. We also offer zero interest financing options to assist our patients.
20. How Much Work Will I Miss If I Have Surgery?
We recommend that our patients go home and take a nap immediately after surgery and then relax the rest of the day. Most of our patients are back to work the day following the surgery.
21. I Have "Dry Eyes". Will This Affect The Results Of The Surgery?
In most cases, if you have dry eyes before surgery you will have them after surgery. Artificial tears are always needed during the healing period whether you have dry eyes prior to surgery or not.
22. I Am Diabetic. Will This Affect The Outcome Of My Surgery?
Diabetics tend to heal more slowly than most people and are at a greater risk for infection. But unless you have Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy, you are still a candidate for the procedure.
23. Can This Surgery Cause A Cataract To Develop Earlier Than Usual?
Cataracts are a part of aging, and involve a clouding of the lens inside the eye. Vision Correction Surgery is performed on the cornea, which is a different part of the eye.
24. Following Cataract Surgery, If I Still Don’T See Well, Will The Vision Correction Surgery Help Me?
Possibly, yes. We have been able to help patients who have had cataract surgery or corneal transplants and can’t see well afterward due to astigmatism. A complete evaluation can determine if you would be a good candidate for this treatment.
