LASIK & LASIK with Contoura at Northwest Eye Surgeons
Imagine waking up each morning with crystal-clear vision, free from the daily hassle of glasses or contact lenses. For millions of patients, this dream has become a reality through LASIK vision correction surgery.
At Northwest Eye Surgeons, our skilled surgeons specialize in advanced femtosecond laser technology, including the Contoura topography-guided LASIK system, to deliver exceptional visual outcomes for our patients. Northwest Eye Surgeons has established itself as a leading provider of comprehensive laser vision correction services, combining cutting-edge technology with personalized patient care to help individuals achieve their vision goals safely and effectively.
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that corrects common vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, by precisely reshaping the cornea using sophisticated laser technology. When your cornea has an irregular shape or your eye is too long or short, light cannot focus properly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision.
LASIK surgery reshapes the corneal tissue to allow light to focus directly on the retina, resulting in sharp, clear vision. At Northwest Eye Surgeons, we utilize state-of-the-art femtosecond laser technology to perform bladeless LASIK procedures.
This advanced approach eliminates the need for traditional surgical blades, significantly reducing the risk of complications while improving precision and patient comfort.
Contoura Topography-Guided LASIK Technology
Northwest Eye Surgeons proudly offers Contoura Vision, the latest FDA-approved evolution in custom LASIK technology. This innovative topography-guided approach represents a significant advancement over traditional LASIK techniques, providing patients with superior visual outcomes.
Contoura technology analyzes over 22,000 unique elevation points on your cornea, creating a detailed topographical map that guides the laser treatment. This comprehensive analysis allows our LASIK surgeons to address not only the shape of your eye but also the unique surface of your cornea, resulting in vision quality that often exceeds what patients previously experienced with glasses or contacts.
Clinical studies demonstrate remarkable results with Contoura Vision. In FDA trials, 92% of patients achieved 20/20 vision or better twelve months after treatment, while 65% experienced 20/16 vision or better.
Your Vision, Our Expertise—Close to Home
State-of-the-Art Refractive Centers in Bellevue & Seattle
Experience personalized, advanced laser vision correction at our modern refractive surgery centers in Bellevue and Seattle. Whether you’re on the Eastside or in North Seattle, our trusted surgeons provide the same high level of care and precision you’d expect from the region’s leaders in vision correction.
Bellevue
LASIK & SMILE Center
12400 SE 38th St, Suite 201
Bellevue, WA 98006
Seattle
Comprehensive Surgical & Refractive Care
332 NE Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98125
Call Today! 855-647-6453
Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?
Determining your suitability for LASIK requires a thorough evaluation of multiple factors. Northwest Eye Surgeons conducts comprehensive consultations to ensure optimal outcomes for each patient:
Age and Prescription Stability
Ideal LASIK candidates are over 21 years old with stable prescriptions for at least one year. Younger patients may experience continuing prescription changes, which can affect long-term results.
Our LASIK surgeons carefully evaluate prescription stability to ensure lasting visual improvement.
Overall Health Considerations
Good general health is essential for successful LASIK outcomes. Patients should not be pregnant or nursing, as hormonal changes can temporarily affect vision. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or active eye diseases may impact candidacy.
Corneal Thickness and Eye Health
Adequate corneal thickness is crucial for safe LASIK surgery. Our advanced diagnostic equipment precisely measures corneal thickness and evaluates overall eye health to ensure the procedure can be performed safely.
Patients with thin corneas or certain eye conditions like dry eye may be better candidates for alternative procedures, such as PRK, SMILE, EVO ICL, or RLE.
Realistic Expectations
While LASIK provides exceptional results for most patients, understanding the procedure’s limitations is important. LASIK cannot prevent age-related vision changes such as presbyopia, and some patients may still require reading glasses as they age.
What to Expect During the LASIK Procedure
LASIK typically takes 15-20 minutes for both eyes and is performed in our comfortable outpatient facility. Before surgery begins, numbing eye drops and oral medication to alleviate anxiety, fare given to ensure complete comfort.
Using our advanced femtosecond laser, your LASIK surgeon creates a thin, precise flap on the corneal surface. This bladeless approach offers superior accuracy compared to traditional methods while minimizing tissue disruption.
Your LASIK surgeon then gently lifts the corneal flap and uses a computer-guided excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. This precise laser can remove microscopic amounts of tissue without affecting surrounding cells, ensuring optimal visual correction.
Then, the corneal flap is carefully repositioned and begins healing naturally within minutes. No stitches are required, as the flap acts as a natural bandage during the healing process.
What is LASIK Recovery Like?
Most patients experience rapid visual improvement following LASIK surgery. While some notice clearer vision almost immediately, others may see more gradual improvements.
Following surgery, patients receive protective eye shields, and prescription eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Most people can return to work and normal activities within one to two days, though specific activities like swimming or sports may require a longer waiting period.
Northwest Eye Surgeons provides comprehensive post-operative care, including scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal results. Our team remains available to address any questions or concerns throughout the recovery process.
Is LASIK Worth the Cost?
While LASIK requires an upfront investment, many patients find the procedure cost-effective when compared to the lifetime expense of glasses and contacts. The average person spends approximately $500 annually on vision correction, making LASIK a financially sound decision for many individuals.
Northwest Eye Surgeons also offers flexible financing options, including CareCredit and Alphaeon, to make LASIK accessible to qualified patients. Our staff can discuss payment options and help determine the best approach for your individual situation.
Begin Your Journey Towards Visual Freedom
LASIK has transformed millions of lives, offering freedom from glasses and contacts while providing exceptional visual clarity. At Northwest Eye Surgeons, our commitment to advanced technology, personalized care, and outstanding results makes us the trusted choice for laser vision correction.
If you’re ready to explore whether LASIK could be right for you, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our experienced team. During this evaluation, we’ll assess your individual needs, discuss your vision goals, and help you understand all available options for achieving clearer vision.
Schedule your consultation at Northwest Eye Surgeons today!
