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Patient Care » Medical Specialties » Refractive Surgery Center » Specialty Services » Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
UW Medical Center Facility
1959 NE Pacific / Seattle, WA / 206-598-3300

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

LASIK is a vision-correction procedure in which a thin layer of cornea, that can be folded back, is produced with an instrument called a microkeratome.

LASIK can be used to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, with or without astimatism.

The Refractive Surgery Center uses an instrument called the Hansatome microkeratome to make the flap for LASIK.

Excimer Laser Correction is applied beneath this flap of cornea and the flap is returned to its original position after a few minutes.

The advantages of LASIK include relatively rapid visual improvement and comfort. Complications are rarely associated with production of the flap of cornea with the microkeratome.

Patients should discuss the relative benefits and risks of LASIK compared to LASEK or PRK, depending on their level of nearsightedness or farsightedness, with the surgeon.

Our surgeons perform LASIK, LASEK, or PRK based on what is going to be the best treatment for the patient's eye.

For a complimentary consultation, please call the Refractive Surgery Center at 206-598-2020.