Did you know that many common eye conditions are treated routinely with lasers? One of the most popular procedures is LASIK, a type of laser surgery designed to correct refractive problems, such as near or farsightedness. But did you also know that lasers, which are intensely concentrated, finely focused beams of light, are ideal for performing other extremely delicate surgeries as well?

There is more than one kind of laser used in eye surgery.

A "diode laser" is used to treat the effects of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Laser surgery may also be used to repair a tear in the retina. Suddenly seeing spots, specks, floaters or a flash of lights in one eye can indicate a hole or tear in your retina. If not treated promptly, blood from the tear may cause the retina to detach. Lasers are used to “spot-weld” the tear to help keep the retina in place.
Retinal vein occlusion is a condition in which blockage of the retinal vein causes bleeding and fluid leakage that my lead to loss of vision in one eye. The laser can successfully treat the complications of this condition by destroying unwanted vessels and drying up fluid.

A "YAG laser" removes capsular opacity (often referred to as a "secondary cataract") following lens implant surgery. What does this mean? After having a cataract removed, your vision may gradually become cloudy. This happens when the membrane behind the lens implant clouds over, keeping light from reaching the retina. The YAG laser is used to make a tiny opening in the clouded membrane, allowing uninterrupted light through to the retina.

A "CO2 laser" is used to reduce bleeding in eyelid surgery.

DID YOU KNOW… cataracts themselves are not treated with a laser. The most advanced technique uses an ultrasound probe to remove the clouded lens through a micro-surgical incision. Pacific Northwest Eye Associates is lucky to have a team of the finest cataract surgeons in the region. Our doctors frequently perform this routine procedure in our Outpatient Surgery Center, co-located with our Tacoma clinic. Patients sincerely appreciate the comfort of coming to a familiar, convenient location on the day of their surgery. Please visit our Cataract page for more information about cataract surgery.

LASIK/PRK Refractive Surgery
Laser vision correction, or LASIK refractive surgery, involves reshaping the cornea to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. This type of procedure uses an "excimer laser." LASIK is very popular, with more 2 million people having undergone the procedure. we offer the most progressive technology in refractive surgery. Only state-of-the-art lasers and the safest, most advanced microkeratomes for performing LASIK are utilized.The criteria for the ideal LASIK patient is someone who is over 18 years if age and has healthy corneas with a relatively stable prescription. People with certain medical conditions or pregnant and nursing women may not be good canidates. The best way to find out if you are a good canidate is to arrange a complimentary LASIK consultation with one of our Refractive Surgeons. You will know in minutes whether this procedure is right for you.

Our board-certified surgeons at Pacific Northwest Eye Associates perform thousands of successful procedures every year, so rest assured that you and your family are in good hands!

For more information on LASIK call our Surgery Coordinator, Monday through Friday, at (253) 759-5500.