Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in LASIK on November 18, 2025
Considering LASIK eye surgery? If you’re tired of reaching for glasses first thing in the morning or dealing with the hassles of contact lenses, you’re not alone.
LASIK has helped millions achieve clearer vision and greater freedom in their daily lives. At EyeHealth Northwest, our experienced ophthalmologists believe in helping you make an informed decision about your eye care. Here are five essential things you should know about LASIK before taking the next step.
1. Not Everyone Is a Candidate (But You Might Be!)
LASIK isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. According to the Refractive Surgery Council, a comprehensive LASIK candidacy screening is crucial to achieving safe and successful results.
At EyeHealth Northwest, you’ll undergo a thorough pre-operative examination to determine your suitability. Our surgeons prioritize your safety and will only recommend laser vision correction if they believe they can achieve your desired outcome.
Generally, good candidates have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism within the range that LASIK can correct, and are 18 or older with stable vision and healthy corneas. Your prescription should have remained stable for at least a year before surgery, and you should not be pregnant, nursing, or have active autoimmune conditions.
If LASIK isn’t right for you, our experienced eye surgeons can discuss alternative options, such as PRK or RLE, to help you achieve your vision goals.
2. Advanced Technology Makes All the Difference
Not all LASIK procedures are created equal, and the technology used can significantly impact your results. EyeHealth Northwest invests in state-of-the-art equipment because your vision deserves nothing less than the best:
- WaveLight FS200 Femtosecond Laser: creates your corneal flap using an all-laser, blade-free approach for a more precise, customized procedure tailored to your unique eye characteristics.
- WaveLight EX500 Excimer Laser: fastest on the market, with an average treatment time of just 1.4 seconds per unit of correction. This speed improves accuracy and delivers better results.
- Contoura Topography-Guided LASIK: maps approximately 22,000 points on your cornea’s surface. This detailed mapping allows us to smooth out irregularities and provide exceptionally precise vision correction.
3. LASIK Is More Affordable Than You Think
One of the biggest misconceptions about LASIK is that it’s out of reach financially. While LASIK typically isn’t covered by standard insurance, EyeHealth Northwest offers several options to make laser vision correction accessible and affordable.
Through a partnership with CareCredit, we provide interest-free financing payment plans for up to 24 months. This healthcare credit card is designed specifically for procedures like LASIK, allowing you to begin your treatment immediately and pay over time with monthly payments that fit your budget.
4. The Benefits Extend Far Beyond Clear Vision
Yes, LASIK corrects your vision, with 99% of patients at EyeHealth Northwest achieving 20/20 vision or better, but the benefits go much deeper than that.
Imagine waking up and being able to see the alarm clock clearly. Picture swimming, hiking, or playing sports without worrying about glasses or contacts. Think about the freedom of traveling light without packing contact lens solution and cases.
LASIK has the highest patient satisfaction rating of any elective procedure in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The procedure is quick, typically taking only a few minutes per eye, and the results are long-lasting, providing permanent vision correction for most patients.
5. Recovery Is Faster Than You’d Expect
One of the most pleasant surprises for LASIK patients is how quickly they recover. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision right after the procedure. Within a day or two, most can resume normal daily activities, including driving and light exercise.
The actual surgery takes approximately 30-40 minutes for both eyes, and you’ll be at our EyeHealth Laser Center for less than 90 minutes total. Your LASIK surgeon will use anesthetic eye drops to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure, so you won’t experience pain during treatment.
Are you ready to learn more about this life-changing surgery? Schedule your LASIK consultation at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today to discover if you’re a good candidate for the procedure!
