LASIK Surgery Services
Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, and Tacoma, WA
Introduction to LASIK
LASIK, (laser in situ keratomileusis) is a form of outpatient corneal surgery used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), and farsightedness (hyperopia). It can also correct presbyopia if you are comfortable with monovision.
The first step is to determine your treatment plan. This is done with highly sophisticated Wavefront technology. By shining a light into your eye under the right conditions, and receiving it back in its eye-altered form, the Wavefront system creates a 3-D map of each eye. These show Lasik Surgeon Dr. Leavitt exactly how each eye is contoured, and based on this information he can determine exactly how much corneal tissue to remove, and from exactly where.
The LASIK procedure
LASIK eye surgery is performed on an outpatient basis at Bellevue LASIK. LASIK generally requires twenty minutes of operating room time, but this may vary according to the type and amount of correction needed.
- A mild sedative such as Valium or Ativan may be taken to help you relax
- Dr. Leavitt will give you numbing eye drops
- During the surgery, you will be lying on the laser bed or reclining chair and your eyelids will be gently held open with a device called a lid speculum. Dr. Leavitt will ask you to focus on a special light while treatment is done.
Dr. Leavitt uses a specialized and precise instrument called a microkeratome to create a thin flap of corneal tissue. He raises and lays it back, still attached to the cornea. He then uses an excimer laser to remove the pre-determined amount of corneal tissue from the exposed bed of the cornea. It takes only minutes.
The flap is replaced and within minutes natural forces hold the flap down on the cornea. Usually, within a few hours, the corneal epithelium (surface layer of cells) begins to grow over the cut edge of the flap to seal it into position.
Recovery after Lasik Eye Surgery
You will be able to go home after your LASIK eye surgery, but you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and bring you back the next day for a follow-up visit.
You will need to wear protective eye shields for the first several nights to prevent you from rubbing your eyes. Dr. Leavitt will prescribe eye drops to be used on a regular basis for a few weeks. You may also need to use moisturizing eye drops for several months to help with dryness. In very rare circumstances you may need to temporarily wear a special contact lens. Generally your vision will be stable in a matter of weeks.
You can read what some of our former patients have said on the Lasik Patient Testimonials page, and more about Dr. Leavitt on the About Our Doctors page.
Please see the Testimonials page to read what some of our previous patients have said.
Read about Epi-LASIK.
Read about LASIK vs. SBK.
At Bellevue LASIK, we use the most up-to-date, approved technology to give you clear vision in a safe environment. We will be happy to answer any of your questions if you would like to email our Lasik surgeon, or call to schedule an initial consultation.