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LASIK

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Imagine waking up and seeing the world clearly — no glasses, no contacts, just freedom from the moment you open your eyes. At King LASIK, that life-changing moment is within reach. Led by Dr. Joseph King, one of North America’s most experienced LASIK surgeons, our team is dedicated to helping you enjoy the freedom, confidence, and clarity that comes with sharper vision.

Using advanced technology and decades of expertise, we deliver personalized laser vision correction treatments designed to help you live life with greater visual freedom. Whether you’re in Seattle, Tacoma, Lynnwood, Portland, Vancouver, Tri-Cities or Scottsdale, King LASIK provides trusted, patient-first care to help you achieve your best vision — and your best quality of life.

Ready to free your eyes with LASIK? Take our quick, one minute LASIK Self-Test or schedule a free consultation today, and start your journey toward clearer, more vibrant vision.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery and How Does it Work?

LASIK, short for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular vision correction procedure that can dramatically reduce or even eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Approved by the FDA in 1999, LASIK eye surgery works by precisely reshaping the cornea — the clear front surface of the eye — to help light focus properly onto the retina. When the cornea has an irregular shape, it can cause blurred or distorted vision, known as a refractive error.1
LASIK advance technology at King LASIK thumbnail
During the LASIK procedure, a specialized laser is used to create a thin flap in the cornea. The underlying tissue is then carefully reshaped to correct the eye’s focusing power. This quick, effective surgery is designed to address common vision problems while preserving eye health.

Many people experience significant improvement in their vision shortly after laser eye surgery. In fact, clinical studies show most LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better the day after their procedure.2 With years of experience, advanced technology, and a dedication to patient care, Dr. Joseph King and the team at King LASIK have helped thousands of individuals achieve clearer vision and a better quality of life.

“LASIK isn’t just about better eyesight — it’s about living with freedom and confidence every day,”
- Dr. Joseph King


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Which Vision Problems Can LASIK Correct?

LASIK is designed to correct several of the most common vision problems, also known as refractive errors:

  • Nearsightedness (Myopia): When the cornea is too curved, causing distant objects to appear blurry.
  • Farsightedness (Hyperopia): When the cornea is too flat, making it hard to see nearby objects clearly.
  • Astigmatism: When the cornea has an irregular shape, leading to overall blurry or distorted vision at any distance.

By gently adjusting the shape of the cornea during LASIK, your eye surgeon can help light focus correctly onto the retina, resulting in sharper, clearer vision. Whether you’re struggling with myopia, astigmatism, or another refractive error, LASIK offers a proven solution to help you achieve greater visual freedom.

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What Are the Biggest Benefits of LASIK?

Choosing LASIK can open the door to greater freedom, convenience, and confidence. Some of the top benefits of LASIK include:

  • Visual Freedom: LASIK dramatically reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contacts—giving you true visual independence.
  • Fast and Comfortable Procedure: LASIK itself typically takes only a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
  • Rapid Results: Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours of their LASIK procedure, with improvements continuing over the following days.
  • Proven Safety and Effectiveness: LASIK has been performed millions of times worldwide, with near 100% satisfaction rate and very low rate of complications.3,4
  • Brief Recovery Time: Thanks to modern techniques and advanced technology, LASIK offers a short recovery period, allowing you to quickly return to daily life.
  • Long-Lasting Outcomes: For most individuals, the results of LASIK are permanent, although natural age-related changes in vision may still occur.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Whether it’s playing sports, traveling, or simply enjoying daily activities without corrective lenses, LASIK empowers greater independence and confidence.

Under the expert care of Dr. Joseph King and the King LASIK team, patients can experience the benefits of a personalized, patient-first approach to vision correction.

Why Choose King LASIK for Vision Correction?

When it comes to something as important as your vision, experience matters. At King LASIK, our mission is to deliver clear, lasting results using advanced technology and a deeply personalized approach. Led by Dr. Joseph King, one of the most experienced LASIK surgeons in North America, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve greater visual freedom with confidence and care.

Dr. King has performed over 250,000 LASIK procedures, making him one of the most accomplished eye surgeons in the field of refractive surgery. He’s trusted by patients across the region — and by fellow ophthalmologists — for his meticulous technique, modern eye surgery center, and commitment to safety.

“LASIK has evolved tremendously over the years, and we now have data from hundreds of thousands of procedures to help guide personalized outcomes,” says Dr. King. “Every patient deserves a solution that’s tailored to their unique vision and goals — and that’s exactly what we offer.”

At King LASIK, we don’t just rely on technology — we rely on insight. Our team uses detailed diagnostic imaging, years of experience, and the latest laser platforms to deliver highly accurate, effective results. From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, we provide transparent communication and compassionate care every step of the way.

With locations across the Pacific Northwest and Arizona, King LASIK proudly serves patients seeking trusted, high-quality vision correction that supports long-term eye health and quality of life.

How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK eye surgery has helped millions achieve greater freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses — and the good news is that about the vast majority of the patients we evaluate are excellent candidates for this life-changing vision correction procedure. The best way to confirm your candidacy is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Joseph King and the experienced ophthalmology team at King LASIK.
In general, good candidates for LASIK meet the following criteria:

  • Age: You are at least 18 years old.
  • Vision Stability: Your glasses or contact lens prescription has remained stable for at least one year.
  • Corneal Health: Your corneas are healthy and thick enough to safely undergo laser reshaping.
  • Eye Health: You are free from conditions such as glaucoma, keratoconus, or severe dry eye that could impact healing.
  • General Health: You are in good overall health, with no unmanaged conditions like autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Realistic Expectations: You understand the tremendous benefits LASIK can offer, along with natural changes that may occur with aging, such as the eventual need for reading glasses.5

Curious if LASIK is right for you? Take our quick LASIK Self Test or schedule your free consultation today to learn more!

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What Are the Best LASIK Alternatives?

While LASIK is an outstanding vision correction procedure for most patients, there are other advanced options available for those who may not qualify or who prefer a different approach. At King LASIK, we offer additional treatments to ensure every patient can achieve clear, lasting vision based on their individual eye health and goals.

Two of the most trusted alternatives to LASIK include:

EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer Lens)

For patients with high degrees of nearsightedness, thin corneas, or dry eye concerns, the EVO ICL offers an exciting alternative. This procedure involves implanting a soft, biocompatible lens inside the eye, without removing any corneal tissue. EVO ICL provides sharp, crisp vision and is reversible, giving many patients a new level of freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

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PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK is a proven refractive surgery option often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or certain corneal irregularities. Instead of creating a flap like LASIK, PRK gently reshapes the surface of the cornea directly to improve how light focuses onto the retina. Although recovery time is slightly longer than LASIK, PRK offers excellent visual outcomes and long-term stability.

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During your free consultation, Dr. Joseph King will perform a detailed evaluation to determine whether LASIK, EVO ICL, or PRK is the best fit for achieving your clearest possible vision.

How Should I Prepare Before My LASIK Procedure?

Preparing for LASIK is a simple but important process that helps ensure your procedure goes smoothly and your results are as precise as possible. At King LASIK, we guide you through every step with clear communication, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate care.

Your LASIK Consultation

Your journey begins with a personalized consultation with our experienced staff. This visit includes a comprehensive eye exam, advanced imaging, and a detailed review of your vision history to confirm that LASIK is the right vision correction procedure for you.

During your consultation, you can expect:

  • Detailed Testing: We’ll assess your cornea, prescription stability, and overall eye health using advanced diagnostic technology.
  • Custom Treatment Planning: Our medical staff will discuss your vision goals and explain the LASIK procedure, answering any questions you may have.
  • Scheduling Your Procedure: If you’re a good candidate, we’ll create your personalized treatment plan and set a date for your LASIK surgery.

Before Your Consultation

To ensure the most accurate measurements during your evaluation, please follow these simple guidelines:

  • Soft Contact Lenses: Discontinue use at least 3 days before your consultation.
  • Hard or Gas Permeable Lenses: Stop use at least one week prior to your appointment.

Allowing your corneas to return to their natural shape is crucial for creating the most precise and effective treatment plan.

Preparing for LASIK Surgery

In the days leading up to your procedure, our team will provide you with specific pre-surgical instructions, which may include:

  • Avoiding makeup, lotions, creams, or perfumes on the day of surgery.
  • Stopping use of certain medications if advised by your ophthalmologist.
  • Arranging for a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure, as your vision will be adjusting.

Our team will also review your post-operative care instructions with you in detail on the day of your LASIK procedure to ensure you feel confident and prepared.

With decades of experience and thousands of LASIK procedures performed, our surgeons and the entire King LASIK team are committed to making your experience safe, smooth, and successful.

What Happens During LASIK Surgery?

You might be surprised to learn that LASIK eye surgery takes just a few minutes per eye — yet it can have a life-changing impact on your vision. At King LASIK, Dr. Joseph King uses advanced laser technology to ensure every LASIK procedure is precise, safe, and comfortable from start to finish.

Here’s what you can expect on the day of your LASIK procedure:

1. Getting Settled

When you arrive at our eye surgery center, a member of our team will review your post-op care instructions and answer any final questions. Since you won’t be able to drive afterward, be sure to arrange for someone to take you home.

2. Numbing the Eyes

Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes completely. You may also be offered a mild sedative to help you feel relaxed. Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure.

3. Creating the Corneal Flap

Using a femtosecond laser, the surgeon creates a microscopically thin flap on the surface of your cornea. This bladeless approach allows for incredible precision and is part of what makes LASIK such a trusted vision correction procedure.

4. Reshaping the Cornea

After gently lifting the corneal flap, the eye surgeon uses a cool-beam excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue beneath. This step corrects your unique refractive error — whether it’s nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. You’ll be asked to focus on a small target light while an advanced eye-tracking system ensures the laser stays perfectly aligned.

5. Completing the Procedure

Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is repositioned to its original place, where it naturally adheres without sutures. The process is quick, painless, and typically takes less than 15 minutes for both eyes.

With advanced technology and our surgeons’ years of experience, the entire LASIK procedure is designed to be efficient, comfortable, and focused on helping you achieve clearer vision with confidence.

What is the Recovery Like After LASIK?

At King LASIK, your comfort, safety, and clear vision are our top priorities throughout every stage of your LASIK recovery. Dr. Joseph King and our team will provide personalized post-operative care instructions and schedule follow-up visits to ensure your eyes heal properly and your vision continues to improve.

What to Expect Immediately After LASIK

  • Rest: Plan to relax and sleep for the remainder of the day after your laser eye surgery. Giving your eyes a chance to recover early supports faster healing.
  • Mild Symptoms: It’s normal to experience slight burning, itching, watery eyes, or light sensitivity for the first 24 hours. These symptoms usually improve quickly.
  • Eye Protection: You’ll be given protective eye shields to wear while sleeping and prescription eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  • Dryness: Some patients notice dry eyes during the recovery period. Lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes comfortable as they heal.

When Will I See Results After LASIK?

Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within just a few hours after LASIK surgery. Most experience significantly clearer vision by the next day and continue to see gradual enhancements over the following days and weeks. It’s truly exciting for many to enjoy life without dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses so soon after their vision correction procedure.

Returning to Daily Activities After LASIK

  • Next-Day Activities: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal daily routines as early as the day after LASIK.
  • Exercise and Sports: Avoid strenuous activities for about one week to protect the corneal flap as it heals.
  • Swimming: Refrain from swimming or using hot tubs for approximately two weeks after surgery.

Follow-Up Care

You’ll return to King LASIK for a follow-up appointment the day after your procedure, with additional visits scheduled as needed to monitor your healing. These check-ins allow your surgeon to ensure your recovery is progressing smoothly and that your vision correction results are on track.

By closely following all post-operative instructions, attending follow-up appointments, and protecting your eye health, you’ll help ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting results from your LASIK eye surgery.

Ready to See Clearly?

At King LASIK, we’re proud to help patients across Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Tacoma, Lynwood, and Scottsdale experience the freedom of life without glasses or contact lenses.

Contact us to schedule your free LASIK consultation today and take the first step toward clear vision, greater confidence, and lasting freedom.

LASIK FAQs

How does LASIK correct astigmatism?
LASIK corrects astigmatism by gently reshaping the cornea—the clear front surface of your eye. Astigmatism is caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea, which can make vision blurry or distorted at all distances. During LASIK, a precise laser is used to smooth out those irregularities so light can focus more accurately on the retina at the back of your eye.

At King LASIK, we use advanced laser mapping and your past prescription data to customize every procedure. Whether you have mild or more significant astigmatism, we design your treatment to match your eye’s unique shape—often delivering crisp, clear vision without glasses or contacts.

Is LASIK permanent?
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Once the cornea is adjusted, the improvements in your vision are designed to last. However, while LASIK corrects existing vision issues, it cannot prevent natural, age-related changes such as presbyopia, which can affect near vision beginning in your 40s or 50s. Dr. Joseph King and our team at King LASIK offer long-term support to help you maintain clear vision at every stage of life.
Does LASIK hurt?
No, LASIK is not painful. Before your vision correction procedure begins, anesthetic eye drops are applied to completely numb your eyes. Most patients feel only slight pressure during parts of the surgery. Afterward, you might experience mild irritation, dryness, or a gritty sensation — similar to having an eyelash in your eye — but these symptoms typically resolve within a day.
Is LASIK safe?
Yes, LASIK is considered very safe and effective. It has been FDA-approved and has helped millions of people worldwide achieve clearer vision. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, fewer than 1% of patients experience serious complications. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential side effects, including temporary dry eyes, halos, glare at night, or mild light sensitivity. Choosing an experienced eye surgeon helps minimize risks and optimize your outcome.
What are the risks of LASIK?
While LASIK has an exceptional safety record, it’s important to understand potential risks. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, common side effects include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Nighttime halos or glare
  • Temporary double vision
  • Over- or under-correction
  • Light sensitivity
  • Corneal flap complications (rare)6

These risks are minimized by thorough pre-operative evaluations, advanced technology, and choosing a surgeon with extensive years of experience, like Dr. Joseph King.

When can I return to work after LASIK?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal activities the very next day after LASIK. However, your surgeon will give you personalized guidance based on your individual healing progress.
What results can I expect from LASIK surgery?
Prior to your procedure, your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your eyes and provide a strong estimate of your expected outcome. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASIK, significantly reducing or eliminating the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Does insurance cover LASIK eye surgery?
Because LASIK is considered an elective vision correction procedure, it’s not typically covered by insurance. However, many patients use HSA or FSA accounts to help pay for LASIK. King LASIK also offers affordable financing plans to make achieving clear vision more accessible.
How much does LASIK cost near me?
The cost of LASIK varies depending on your individual vision needs, the type of technology used, and your customized treatment plan. At King LASIK, we believe in transparent pricing and will review all costs with you during your consultation. We also offer flexible financing options and accept HSA/FSA funds to make LASIK more accessible. Whether you’re in Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Tacoma, or Scottsdale, we’re committed to helping you invest in clearer vision affordably.

Still have questions?

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1 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. LASIK. Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/surgery-devices/lasik. Accessed April 29, 2025.
2 American Refractive Surgery Council. What is the LASIK Success Rate? Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/laser-eye-surgery-LASIK-success-rate/. Accessed April 29, 2025.
3 US Food and Drug Administration. LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/lasik-quality-life-collaboration-project#. Accessed April 29, 2025
4 Refractive Surgery Council. Is LASIK Safe? What You Need to Know. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/is-lasik-safe/. Accessed April 29, 2025.
5 Refractive Surgery Council. Are you a LASIK Candidate? 5 guidelines you should know. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/general-lasik-candidate-guidelines/. Accessed April 29, 2025.
6 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Facts About LASIK Complications. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/facts-about-lasik-complications. Accessed April 29, 2025.