All-Laser LASIK is the most advanced treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This procedure begins with an Intralase laser creating a microscopically thin “flap” on the surface of the eye. The flap is lifted back and a computer-guided laser treats the eye to correct the blurred vision. The flap is then replaced and self-adheres. No stitches, no cutting, no blades, no eye patch or medicines other than eye drops are used.
Range of correction
LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Most people with these vision problems are candidates for LASIK. Some people with extremely strong glasses prescriptions, certain eye conditions and health problems may not be candidates for LASIK. Other options for vision correction may be a consideration.
Free LASIK Evaluation
To schedule a free, no obligation LASIK evaluation, please call our office at 360-698-7300. This examination will ensure your candidacy for LASIK and give you the information you need to reduce your need for glasses and contacts.
Possible risks and side effects
Our comprehensive evaluation is designed to ensure you are a good candidate for LASIK. We only recommend LASIK if your evaluation indicates that you should have a great result.Risks and side effects are a consideration with any procedure. We perform a detailed evaluation designed to determine characteristics and risks unique to your eyes. The technology we employ to perform the procedure is the most accurate and safest available. We only use lasers to create the LASIK flap and your vision correction is calculated and delivered with a computerized system to maximize accuracy and safety.
Dr. Kremer has performed thousands of LASIK procedures, including treating over 100 physicians. Come in for a no-obligation evaluation soon!
For more information, please visit the Eye Surgery Education Council.
Read more about the WaveFront Custom LASIK process.
How All-Laser LASIK Works
LASIK is the most advanced treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This three-step procedure begins with the creation of a microscopically thin layer of the cornea (the “flap”) with the intralase Laser. The flap is then lifted back and a second laser uses a computer guided analysis of your prescription to treat the eye to correct the blurred vision. The flap is then replaced and adheres within seconds. No blades, no cutting, no stitches, eye patch or medicines other than eye drops are used.
Range of correction
LASIK can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The majority of people with these vision problems are candidates for LASIK. Some people with advanced eye conditions or health problems may not be candidates for LASIK.
Free LASIK Evaluation
If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, please call us for a free, no obligation consultation at 360-698-7300. We can discuss the exact procedure that is right for you and answer your questions!
What to Expect
How long have Achieve Eye & Laser Specialists surgeons been doing LASIK?
Dr. Kremer has been performing excimer laser procedures since 1996, soon after the excimer laser was approved for use in the USA. He has performed LASIK since 1998. He has completed thousands of laser procedures, and has treated over 100 local doctors.
Do you treat both eyes on the same day or separately?
Generally, both eyes are treated the same day.
How long does the procedure take?
Since both eyes are usually treated during the same appointment, you are in the LASIK suite for approximately 15 minutes.
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during LASIK?
There is no pain during the actual treatment since eye drops numb your eyes. If needed, you may also be given a mild sedative. You will feel some pressure when a tiny instrument is placed on your eye and your vision may dim for a few seconds while the flap is being created, but you should not feel any pain. After the procedure, some people experience mild irritation, light sensitivity and watery eyes for a few days.
Are my eyes patched after surgery?
Your eyes are not patched after LASIK, but you will be given clear plastic goggles to wear at night .
Do I need to use eye drops after the procedure?
You will use medicated eye drops for 1 week after your treatment, and artificial tears are recommended for a longer period.
How long will my vision be blurry?
It is normal for your vision to be a little blurry for a few days after LASIK. While your eyes are healing, it is normal for your vision to have mild fluctuations.
Will I eventually see 20/20?
The majority of people see 20/20 without correction after LASIK, but not everyone. No one can guarantee your exact vision after LASIK, but we can give you an idea of your chances of obtaining 20/20 vision during your evaluation.
If I don’t get full correction, can I be retreated?
Your LASIK correction may be fine-tuned with retreatment, known as enhancement. This is generally performed within the first few months. With an enhancement, the flap is simply lifted back to allow the laser beam to improve your vision. Although retreatment may further improve your ability to see, perfect vision is still impossible to guarantee.
Will I have to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery?
LASIK is not a miracle procedure. It does not promise perfect vision or that everyone will be totally free of corrective lenses. The more correction you require, the greater the chance that you may still need glasses or contacts for certain activities.
How long will I be off work?
The amount of time you are off work often depends on how important good vision is to performing your tasks, but most people miss only 1 or 2 days of work.
Can anyone have LASIK performed?
If you would like to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses and you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism and are 18 or older with a stable prescription and healthy eyes, you may be able to benefit from LASIK. Call our office to schedule a no-obligation complimentary evaluation to find out if LASIK is for you!
How can I find out if I’m a candidate for LASIK?
Call Achieve Eye and Laser Specialists at 360-698-7300 for a free, no obligation evaluation. If you already have an eye doctor, you may be able to see them for much of your evaluation for surgery and care after surgery.
Can my optometrist perform the after-surgery care?
Your doctor of optometry may be able to perform some of the evaluation steps and after surgery care with LASIK. Of course, your surgeon at Achieve Eye & Laser Specialists is always available.
Risks and Side Effects
Even though LASIK is a procedure with very few complications, some risks and possible side effects should be considered:
- Infection, Inflammation (very rare, we have never had a serious case)
- Corneal Flap Problems (none to date with intralase all-laser flaps)
- Under correction or Over correction (corrected with re-treatment)
- Corneal Surface Irregularities (most commonly due to dry eyes)
- Halo and Glare Effect (uncommon with wavefront treatments)
- Light Sensitivity (common initially, very uncommon long-term)
- Fluctuating Vision (common initially, uncommon later)
What are the risks with LASIK?
There are risks with any surgical procedure. Although complications with LASIK are rare, you need to be aware of them. Potential problems include complications with the corneal flap, infection, removing too much or too little tissue with the laser beam, the need for reading glasses, microscopic surface irregularities, halo effect or night vision problems, inability to wear contact lenses, and other remote risks.
What are the long term effects of LASIK?
LASIK was first performed in the 1990’s, so we do not have decades of follow up information. However, since LASIK was first introduced, studies have shown only rare complications developing after the procedure.
We will take the time to answer all of your questions about LASIK and the risks involved. We take pride in taking the time to fully evaluate your eyes and only recommend LASIK if we expect you should have a good result. We turn away more than 30% of the people that see us for LASIK as we believe they are not ideal candidates for treatment. If we recommend LASIK to you, we expect you will do well.
Facts and Statistics
Dr. Kremer has been performing PRK and LASIK since 1996, soon after the excimer laser was approved for use in the USA. He has completed thousands of laser procedures.
What are your outcomes?
Your outcome will depend upon your degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Dr. Kremer’s patients achieve 20/20 vision in 96% of cases with All Laser, Intralase flap Wavefront programmed Custom lasik treatments. More than 70% of our patients are able to read the eye chart linessmaller than 20/20 line (20/15 or better)!
Despite the accuracy of the technology we use for LAQSIK, some patients need a second treatment to reach their visual potential. Our ‘re-treatment rate’ runs approximately 2.4%. This means that overall, our patients have a better than 97% chance of needing a single treatment to achieve excellent vision.
Dr. Kremer has performed LASIK for over 100 doctors and has done thousands of LASIK procedures. Come in for a no-obligation evaluation soon!
For more information, please visit the Eye Surgery Education Council.
Common Myths and Realistic Expectations
LASIK reduces the need for corrective lenses. LASIK will not correct cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration or wrinkles. It will not reverse natural aging changes in the eye such as the need for reading glasses.
While the majority of our patients achieve 20/20 vision (70% are better than 20/20!), some do not reach this level of vision. No one can be guaranteed 20/20 vision. If you expect “perfect” vision it is possible you may be disappointed.
LASIK side effects are generally short lived and mild. Complications are infrequent and we take specific steps to reduce them to the lowest level possible. See Risks and Side Effects. If you are considering laser vision correction, it is important that you are aware of the risks and that your motivation to reduce your need for glasses or contacts is strong enough for you to accept them.
Cost and Payment Options
The cost of your LASIK procedure will depend upon your individual vision correction needs. We can provide you with the exact figures during your complimentary consultation.
Payment options include Credit Card payments (earn miles!), Care Credit and Flexible Spending Accounts through your employer.
We offer discounts to active military, police and firefighters who keep us safe.
Financing Options for LASIK
Care Credit is a flexible monthly payment option offered through GE Money Bank..
CareCredit for better vision
When to have your LASIK procedure should be the question, not how to pay for it. We’d like to make that decision even easier for our patients. That’s why we’re pleased to offer the CareCredit® card, North America’s leading patient payment program. CareCredit lets you begin your procedure immediately — then pay for it over time with low monthly payments that fit easily into your monthly budget. Now you don’t have to save up for years to finally get the vision you’ve always wanted. We’ll help you see clearer, sooner.
Please Note: Care Credit is not available for non-LASIK expenses at our office!
Like a credit card, but better
CareCredit cards work just like a regular credit card, but is exclusive for healthcare services. CareCredit offers low monthly payment plans for LASIK. Don’t put off improving your vision. Get your procedure now.
For vision procedures, CareCredit offers:
- Low minimum monthly payments
- No-interest financing if paid within 12 months (Additional plans may be available)
- No up-front costs, pre-payment penalties or annual fees
Learn more by visiting CareCredit.com or contacting our LASIK coordinator at 360-698-7300. Ready to apply? Apply online for your CareCredit card today. You’ll be seeing clearer in no time.
Discount LASIK Providers
Have you considered having your eyes done with a discount laser center? We’ve put together a list of questions to ask before making that decision.
What does the discount price include?
Make sure you know exactly what is covered. Many times discount laser centers do not include all of the costs in their advertised price. Ask about the cost of visits before and after LASIK and the medications and testing required. Ask about the cost of enhancement (“touch-up”) procedures. Many discounters require you to make arrangements for your care after LASIK and pay for it yourself. Keep in mind the cost of travel and overnight stays involved with your testing prior to LASIK, the day of the procedure and with your care afterward. Be sure to ask:
– where you should go if there is a problem after your procedure?
– who will be available to see you and where will they be?
– if you have a question or problem after office hours is someone available?
What technology/equipment does the discounter use?
Low prices encourage cutting corners on the quality of:
- the evaluation to determine if you are an excellent candidate for LASIK
- is the testing done by a technician or a LASIK surgeon?
- the testing equipment used
- whether your surgeon personally evaluates your eyes beforehand or just under the laser on the day of your procedure
- Is the flap made with a laser or a stainless steel blade?
- the quality of the laser used for your procedure
- whether your treatment is wavefront programmed by a computer or based upon a glasses prescription (“optimized”)
- what are the sterilization techniques used?
- Are any of the disposable supplies re-used for the next treatment?
What happens if you have a problem?
While LASIK is very low risk, there are no “risk-free” eye procedures. If you bump your LASIK flap at home, develop an infection or have any other serious complication you will need to return to your surgeon immediately! Find out if you would see the doctor who performed your surgery who knows your eyes, the details of your LASIK procedure and how to take care of a problem. Remember, depending on the problem it might require several visits for proper treatment.
Who will be the surgeon, and what is his/her experience?
At many cost-cutting centers, you don’t meet the surgeon until just before surgery. Often the discount laser center doesn’t even know which doctor will be performing your surgery at the time you schedule. Discounters commonly employ new trainees and/or doctors are often rotated through the center learning to perform LASIK. In some instances, doctors travel in just for the day of surgery. Some are travelling or temporary doctors supplementing their income learning to do LASIK. They may be gone the next day in another state!
Be sure you feel comfortable knowing your surgeon will be available if you need help. Ask about the surgeon’s experience. How many procedures have they done and for how long? Sometimes they are working there to gain experience and move on. Look out for centers that stress that the Medical Director had extensive experience but do not say that they would be your surgeon. A facility’s experience is important but equally important to you is the experience of the surgeon who is performing surgery on your eyes! A discount chain may claim that they have done “thousands of procedures” but may are summarinzing the experience of many doctors all around the country> The doctor you see on surgery day may be a beginner.
Remember…
There is a time to hunt for the cheapest price–but having surgery on the only eyes you will ever see through is not one of them.
Testimonials
Dear Dr. Kremer, Just a note to thank you for my new vision. Words are not sufficient to express my gratitude to you and your staff. I’ll never forget my surgery date 1/21/2004! I have a new lease on life! I waited over 40 years for this- you made it a reality! I will always be grateful!
Dr. Kremer, After 4 decades of pitiful vision, How do I Thank You for the gift of sight? Such a change in one’s life!! Thank you for your expertise, professionalism, care and kindness.
Dear Dr. Kremer and staff, It’s nothing short of a miracle! Having worn glasses for the past 40 years, I can honestly say it is a miracle to be able to see so much so clearly. Was I nervous about the procedure? Sure. But Dr. Kremer and his great staff were very reassuring throughout the entire process, explaining everything that was going on. There was absolutely no pain! When it was all over they congratulated me for doing such a good job! Heck, all I did was lay there, they performed the miracle! Would I recommend this procedure to others? Absolutely, without hesitaiton!
Dr. Kremer, Everything about my LASIK experience was wonderful! From the contact phone call, through the fianl checkups I have felt that I am in the hands of experts.- Dr. Kremer you have a done a superior operation on my eyes, while also providing great patient care. I have never felt rushed with my questions or concerns. Your staff is so professional and friendly. Thanks for everything.
LASIK Seminars
LASIK seminars are held regularly at various locations. Seminars include a detailed discussion of LASIK.
Come and talk to Dr. Kremer; it is a great opportunity to learn about LASIK.
If you are interested in joining one of our upcoming seminars, contact us and we will email you with seminar dates.