Improving Your Vision With Laser Eye Surgery
If you have worn glasses or contact lenses for any part of your life, you may have asked yourself “should I get laser eye surgery?”
Specialty Eye is here to help answer questions like these and any others you may have. Our optometrists are here for you before and after your surgery. A consultation is the perfect way to start the conversation, so let’s get talking about what options are available to you.
What is Laser Eye Surgery?
The most popular types of laser eye surgery are photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Both of these types of refractive surgery utilize lasers to help reshape your cornea (the frontmost part of your eye) to adjust the way light enters your eye. The result is clear vision with a significantly reduced dependence on eyewear.
For PRK, the surgeon removes the outer layer of the cornea and uses a laser to reshape it. In LASIK, the surgeon cuts a small flap in the cornea, pulls it back, and reshapes the cornea with the laser. The flap is then replaced and left to heal.
Can I Get Laser Eye Surgery?
The best way to find out for sure if you are eligible for laser eye surgery is to have your eyes examined and to speak with your optometrist at Specialty Eye.
Good Candidate Characteristics
You may be a good candidate for laser eye surgery if:
- You are over 18
- Your vision isn’t changing significantly
- You will benefit from at least 20/40 vision after surgery without eyewear
- Your prescription is between -1.00 and -12.00 for nearsighted people
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Your pupil size is about 6 mm or less in a dark room
Poor Candidate Characteristics
Not everyone can get laser eye surgery. You may not be a good candidate if:
- You have chronic allergies that affect your eyelids, which could influence healing
- You have certain health conditions like glaucoma or diabetes
- You have a condition that prevents healing, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Your corneas are too thin
- Your pupils are too large
- You have had prior eye surgery that could lead to complications
What Is Involved in the Consultation Process?
Before you can be considered for laser eye surgery, you will require a full comprehensive eye examination. From there, your optometrist will ask you questions about your health and lifestyle to help determine if you are a good candidate, and which type of laser eye surgery might suit you best.
At the consultation, we may run extra tests to see how thick your corneas are, assess the quality of your tear film, and more. This will all help us decide if your eyes are appropriate for surgery. We will answer all of your questions and ensure you are fully informed about the surgery beforehand.
If you are a suitable candidate, we will refer you to a refractive surgeon who will complete your procedure. Then, you will follow up with us, so we can make sure your eyes are healing properly. If there are any complications, we will help treat your symptoms.
Start the Conversation
Specialty Eye is here to make sure you are 100% comfortable and confident in making choices about your eye health. We will guide you from start to finish through your laser eye surgery journey. Get the conversation started today by scheduling your laser eye surgery consultation.
Our Locations
Bellevue
Steps away from beautiful Bellevue Square Mall, our office is conveniently located just off the I-405 on 106 Avenue NE.
- 225 106 Ave. NE
- Bellevue, WA 98004
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Kirkland
Next to the Evergreen Hospital, our convenient location is on NE 128 Street, just off the I-405.
- 11830 NE 128 St., Suite 1
- Kirkland, WA 98034
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Seattle
Only blocks from Pike Place Market, our office is on the corner of 4th Avenue and Stewart Street.
- 1911 4th Ave.
- Seattle, WA 98101
Hours of Operation
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Our Specialty Eye Care
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See What People Say About Us
“All the associates here are wonderful! Everyone is thoughtful and accommodating. I have to use a walker and ever single person was patient and helpful in maneuvering me to be comfortable with doing certain test. In addition, my doctor is amazing!”
Andrea Norton
“The office is very informative. The Dr’s and staff are great and we look forward to starting our vision therapy!!”
Cori Brundage Frandsen
“My son has been going here since he was 1. We’ve never had a bad experience, and we’ve had a lot of visits because of his vision problems.”
Deanna Dooley Stanley
Our Expert Blog
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What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?
Contact lens options appear to be limitless. While soft contact lenses are the most popular among patients and eye care professionals, numerous other contact lens options can provide comfortable, clear vision. Rigid gas permeable lenses, as well as newer scleral or hybrid lenses, are commonly used to provide visual correction for those who struggle with […]
Can Allergies Cause Dry Eye?
Dry eye and allergies are common eye problems. If you’ve ever typed your symptoms in a search engine, you’ve likely noticed similarities between these conditions. So, is the link more than a coincidence, or can allergies lead to dry eye? Unfortunately, allergies can contribute to dry eye. But the conditions are different. Knowing the difference […]
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Chances are, if you are reading this you’re like a couple of our doctors and are over 40. (It’s hard to believe that we’re here, but it’s happened.) Along with needing a standby fire truck when we blow out our birthday candles, in our 40s we tend to start showing our age. Fine lines start […]
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Bellevue
- 225 106 Ave. NE
- Bellevue, WA 98004
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P: 425-454-2028
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Seattle
- 1911 4th Ave.
- Seattle, WA 98101
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P: 206-622-4828
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Kirkland
- 11830 NE 128 St., Suite 1
- Kirkland, WA 98034
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P: 425-821-8900