Does LASIK Hurt?
You know I’m really glad you asked that question. We get that question quite often. No LASIK does not hurt. We give you some sedation beforehand, and we also give you some good numbing drops. Now you will feel some pressure during the first part of the procedure, but in essence LASIK is a pretty painless procedure.
Is LASIK Permanent?
LASIK is a procedure where we change the front surface of your eye, the cornea. We reshape it to focus light so you can see in the distance, and that is a change that should last you forever. Now as we age, there are some changes inside of the eye that happen with your natural lens that makes it more challenging to read up close. That’s why people start using reading glasses. We have good options for treating that when the time does come, but know that that frost surface change - that corneal change we do with LASIK - is something that lasts forever.
Is LASIK Safe?
That is an important question to ask before having this procedure. LASIK is one of the most successful and safest procedures performed in the United States. It’s been performed for over 25 years, millions of people have benefited from LASIK surgery, and yet the complication rate and infections are incredibly low. The good news is, the majority of the time, we can treat some of those complications and get you still seeing very well. Fortunately, we have not seen and infection at Aurora, and we’ve had very very low complication rates. Part of the reason though is because we’ve invested in some of the best technology in order to get you screened and make sure you are an excellent candidate. As a cornea trained specialist, I often see many of the complications that occur with people who perform surgery perhaps when they shouldn’t have. That is something that we take a lot of time and a lot of pride in - looking at your eyes and determining whether you’re an excellent candidate.
Am I Asleep for the Procedure?
No, we need your cooperation during the procedure. But it is an extremely fast procedure, one that we give you numbing drops and a little bit of sedation for. We hold you eye open with an eyelid opened, and we have an eye-tracker in our last that moves about a thousand times a second, so much faster than your eye, to pick up and micro movements that may happen during the procedure. This is something you do not need to be asleep for, and something you are going to be so happy to experience.
What is the Recovery Time for LASIK?
The recovery time from LASIK is very rapid. You’re going to go home that evening, and you’re going to feel some slight irritation. You’ll take a nap to get through that period, and then when you wake up your eyes will feel a lot better and you’ll start seeing a lot better. The next day, you’ll actually be able to drive yourself in for your follow-up visit. Most people will be able to resume their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. The great news is you’re going to be able to go out and enjoy your life with quality vision in a very short period of time.
What Results can I Expect After LASIK?
We are so excited with with result we are getting with LASIK surgery these days. With our new technology, or goal is even better than what you’ve had with glasses or contacts. In fact, the vast majority of our patient see better than 20/20.
Does LASIK Cause Dry Eyes?
No, we do not believe LASIK causes dry eyes. In fact, that vast majority of our patients who come in for LASIK consultations are coming in because their contacts are irritating them, and are feeling dry. After they have LASIK surgery, that contact lens irritation is no longer there and they feel much better. In fact, a recent study showed this exact thing. Now for the first three months after LASIK, your eyes are going to feel a little irritated. That is something we are going to get you eye drops for and help you get through that process until you can return to your baseline.
Can LASIK Improve my Night Vision?
Some of our patients say that their night vision is actually better after LASIK surgery. We don’t like to promise that, we usually tell people that their night vision will be about the same as what it his before surgery. However, this is without glasses. We’re able to now say this because the technology in our lasers is designed to help improve what are called higher order aberrations - thing that affect your nighttime vision. We can now treat those a lot better and so thus your nighttime vision is actually better than it was prior to LASIK.
Why Does Technology Matter? Aren’t All Lasers the Same?
Technology surgery in LASIK is a very important topic, and no, not all lasers are created equal. When I started doing LASIK surgery about 20 years ago, the chance of us getting you to 20/20 vision was about 50%. We are now at over 97% of people with 20/20 with out current technology. With our new technology, the procedure is faster, it’s safer, and we’re able to treat a wider range of patients than we were before. LASIK technology is very important question, and something that we pride ourselves on - offering the latest technology that is out the is out there.
Why is there Such a Different in Price Between Centers?
I know it can be pretty overwhelming when looking for LASIK surgeons or LASIK surgery centers. So many prices, so many different facilities. But you know the old saying, sometimes when it sounds too good to be true, it is. Most centers out there who offer low prices are not going to include many things. They’re not going to have the latest technology, they’re not going to offer postoperative care, they’re not going to offer a lifetime enhancement policy. At Aurora LASIK, we’re very proud to offer a single price - one that includes the lifetime enhancement, on that includes the postoperative care, and one that includes a great experience and surgical procedure. I’ve been practicing for over 20 years. I’m the owner of Aurora LASIK, and we’re committed to offering you an incredible experience with your eyes.
I will make you laugh… just kidding but you will hear my laugh around the office and my coworkers say it’s contagious (and I have to agree). I am in and out of the office working hard to help achieve your goals of clearer vision. I’m not super Cornea but I do love a good eye joke.
LIKES: Camping, sunflowers, goats, going to concerts, spending time with my family and napping with my dogs
DISLIKES: Spiders, pickles, and folding laundry
I will help explain procedures, ease nerves, and schedule procedures…. and goof off on TikTok on behalf of Aurora LASIK. I’m ready to help you get rid of your glasses or contacts!
LIKES: I like candy and ice cream. I LOVE anything Disney (especially the music. I will belt it all day/everyday)
DISLIKES: I dislike being out of candy and ice cream!
I pretty much run the show… I’ve been here so long (14 years)! You will find me assisting Dr. Rudd in surgery and keeping my Technicians motivated with inspirational mirror quotes.
LIKES: Spending time with my family and animals. Coloring my hair and doing my nails. Not leaving my house.
DISLIKES: Close-minded people and I don’t like my hands touched ewwwwwww I can feel your fingerprints.
I am the commander and chief (don’t tell Dr. Rudd)! You will see me buzzing around the office and am here to help you through your vision correction journey. My team is absolutely AMAZING and will make sure your care and experience is their top priority. I look forward to seeing you in our office.
LIKES: Travel, strong coffee, motorcycle rides, spa treatments, hiking, and a clean house.
DISLIKES: Horseradish, clutter, having to ask people twice, Gin and weak coffee.
At Aurora LASIK, you’re not just choosing the best technology, you’re choosing the right surgeon and eye care team. Dr. Jay Rudd has been in private practice as a fellowship-trained cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon since 2000 and has performed thousands of vision correction procedures for the residents of Olympia, Lacey and beyond.
Intuitive and meticulous, Dr. Rudd is only satisfied with the best results possible within his operating room. He is his patients best advocate and prides himself on providing them excellent eye care. His caring and warm disposition is the foundation of strong bonds formed with those he cares for.
Dr. Anthony Grillo is proud to have joined the fantastic team at Aurora LASIK in 2022. His passion is to provide the absolute best results possible. His attention to detail, the stellar Aurora team, and the state-of-the-art resources at Aurora LASIK allow him to provide his patients with both fantastic care and outcomes.
Dr. Grillo became fascinated with microsurgery and the amazing results that eye surgery could provide. In 2018, Mason Eye Institute bestowed upon him the Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Grillo returned to the Pacific Northwest in 2019 and joined a private practice in Eugene, Oregon prior to moving to the Olympia/Lacey area in the summer of 2022.
He is joined by his wife Kasumi, and his children Mila, Maya, and Michael. Dr. Grillo’s favorite pastimes include aquatic activities such as scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. In his free time, he also enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, hunting, and cooking.
I am the patient counselor at Aurora LASIK. I’m here to help you along your way to freedom from glasses and guarantee to give you a good laugh along the way. I’m also a Master Esthetician so I’m obsessed with skincare and self-care!
LIKES: New adventures, laughter, skincare, family and friends and of course a great glass of wine.
DISLIKES: Traffic
I am the first impression out of the gate! I will set the initial tone for your visit, treat you like the queen or king you are and ensure all your information, appointments and care are handled promptly. All while having some incredible conversations before you head to the back with our amazing staff!
LIKES: Water, Time with my family, Mini cows, Adventures.
DISLIKES: Bad drivers, Close-mindedness, Overly negative energy, Large crowds
I will try and not make a spectacle of myself but in all seriousness I’m really excited to be a part of your vision correction journey! I will be here to help you during your vision correction procedure and assist Dr. Rudd in the surgery suite. If you need anything during your time at Aurora or beyond please let me know.
LIKES: Kayaking or anything water related, caffeine, hanging out with family, friends, and my puppy!
DISLIKES: Waking up early, snakes, rodents, and mushrooms!
I will welcome you back to start your exam and get scans of your eyes. You will find me getting things ready for clinic for the day or prepping things for surgery. I enjoy helping people and will be asking how we can help you achieve your vision goals. Enjoy watching patients vision journeys.
LIKES: Spending time with family and friends. Camping, boating and hiking.
DISLIKES: Negativity, mice and bad coffee
I will be the one who greets you with a friendly smile when you first come into Aurora LASIK. I will check you in for your appointment and am here to assist with anything you may need to help your experience be AMAZING, so please don’t hesitate to ask!
LIKES: Hiking, Traveling, Dogs, Snow, Summer, Monster Jam, NHRA Drag Races
DISLIKES: Heights, Snakes, Spiders, Rain (LOL), Mushrooms, Olives, and Pineapple
I will be one of the welcoming faces that will be preparing you for your visit with the Doctors, I’m a little socially awkward and will fill our time babbling about the weather and your upcoming plans. Eye wish you the best!
LIKES: Spending time with my husband and family, playing video games, reading and long walks on the beach.
DISLIKES: Spiders, rain/cloudy weather, and waking up to a cold house.
I will assist you on your vision journey from taking your scans to assisting Dr. Rudd in surgery. I guess you could say I am pretty important but I can still make a lot of jokes about eyes… I have a Vitreous humor.
LIKES: Iced coffee, reading on the back porch, exploring new places
DISLIKES: Loud noises, spiders/bugs
I will be the one who helps you through your consultation, evaluation and after surgery appointments! Basically I will walk you through the whole process, except surgery, we will leave that up to Dr. Rudd. Can’t wait to help you through your vision correction journey!!
LIKES: Anything Outdoors! Exploring, My dogs & Anyone else’s dogs!
DISLIKES: Pessimists, snakes, anything closely related to snakes.
Dr. Angela Triebold received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Oregon. Prior to coming to Aurora LASIK, Dr. Triebold helped establish the warfighter Regractive Eye Surgery Clinic at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fr. Lewis in 2002. She continued to practice at Madigan for 16 years, ensuring combat vision readiness for service members who had LASIK, PRK, or ICL surgery. During her tenure there, Dr. Triebold served as research coordinator for the refractive program and helped train opthalmology residents and optometry externs. She has also practiced full-scope primary care optometry in addition to refractive surgery co-management.
Compassionate, dedicated and with a positive attitude, Dr. Triebold believes that communication is key to providing quality patient care and building trust in a patient-physician relationship. She loves living in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking, camping with her family and friends, playing the piano, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.
