LASIK Eye Surgery in Lacey, Tacoma & Pacific Northwest
Are you tired of reaching for glasses every morning or dealing with the risk and hassle of contact lenses? Aurora LASIK offers a life-changing solution for clear, crisp vision, indoors and outdoors–regardless of the weather or activity! Our board-certified doctors, Dr. Patrick D. Munson, Dr. Anthony Grillo, and Dr. Angela Triebold, provide advanced all-laser LASIK procedures and care to help you achieve visual freedom.
Located conveniently in Lacey, Washington, Aurora LASIK serves patients in the South Puget Sound region, including Tacoma, Olympia, and surrounding Pacific Northwest communities. Our state-of-the-art facility combines cutting-edge laser technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional results for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
What is All-Laser LASIK Surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a revolutionary refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems. Unlike traditional methods, our all-laser, blade-free LASIK approach uses advanced femtosecond laser technology for both creating the corneal flap and reshaping the underlying tissue.
The procedure works by precisely removing microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to correct refractive errors. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, LASIK has a success rate of approximately 96% for achieving 20/20 vision or better.1
“LASIK has transformed countless lives by providing patients with the visual freedom they’ve always dreamed of,” says Dr. Patrick D. Munson. “The precision of modern laser technology allows us to customize each treatment to the unique characteristics of each patient’s eyes.”
The Three-Step LASIK Process
1. Corneal Flap Creation
Using a femtosecond laser, we create a thin, precise flap in the cornea’s outer layer
2. Corneal Reshaping
An excimer laser removes microscopic tissue under the flap to correct your specific refractive error
3. Flap Repositioning
The corneal flap is carefully repositioned, where it naturally adheres without stitches
Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery
Immediate Visual Improvement
Most patients experience dramatically improved vision within 24 hours of surgery. According to FDA clinical trials, over 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better by the next day, which is sufficient for driving without corrective lenses.
Long-Term Cost Savings
While LASIK requires an upfront investment, it eliminates the ongoing costs of glasses, contact lenses, and related supplies. The average person spends thousands of dollars on corrective eyewear over their lifetime.
Enhanced Quality of Life
- Freedom from glasses and contact lenses
- Improved performance in sports and outdoor activities
- Enhanced career opportunities in certain fields
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- No more fogged glasses or lost contacts
Quick Recovery Time
The vast majority of LASIK patients return to work within 1-2 days following the procedure.
Advanced LASIK Technology at aurora LASIK
Blade-Free Femtosecond Laser
Our all-laser approach eliminates the use of mechanical blades, reducing the risk of complications and improving precision. The femtosecond laser creates corneal flaps with micron-level accuracy.
Wavefront-Guided Treatment
This technology maps the unique imperfections in your eye, allowing for customized treatment that addresses not only basic refractive errors but also higher-order aberrations that can affect night vision and contrast sensitivity.
Topography-Guided LASIK
For patients with irregular corneal surfaces, our topography-guided system creates a detailed map of the cornea’s shape, enabling highly personalized treatment plans.
Who is a Candidate for LASIK?
Ideal LASIK Candidates
- Ages 18 and older with stable vision for at least one year
- Healthy corneas with adequate thickness
- Realistic expectations about outcomes
- No active eye diseases or certain autoimmune conditions
- Prescriptions treated: nearsighted, farsighted, and/or astigmatism.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
During your consultation, we perform detailed measurements including corneal thickness, pupil size, tear film quality, and overall eye health. Dr. Triebold explains, “Our thorough evaluation ensures we identify the best candidates and customize treatment plans for optimal outcomes.”
LASIK Safety and Success Rates
LASIK is one of the most studied elective procedures in medicine. According to the Refractive Surgery Council, serious complications occur in less than 1% of cases.2 All vision correction options include some risk, whether from fogging/slipping glasses or contact lens related infections. For LASIK, the most common side effects are temporary and include:
- Dry eyes (typically resolves within 3-6 months)
- Temporary light sensitivity
- Minor visual fluctuations during healing
Our commitment to safety includes:
- Comprehensive pre-operative screening
- State-of-the-art laser technology
- Experienced surgical team
- Detailed post-operative care protocols
Alternative Vision Correction Options
EVO ICL™ (Implantable Contact Lens)
For patients with thin corneas or high prescriptions, EVO ICL offers an excellent alternative. This procedure involves implanting a biocompatible lens inside the eye without removing corneal tissue. The EVO ICL procedure is also reversible, with less dry eye during recovery.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK may be recommended for patients with thin corneas or certain corneal irregularities. While recovery takes longer than LASIK, PRK can achieve similar visual outcomes.
RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange)
For patients over 40 experiencing presbyopia, or difficulty seeing at near, RLE replaces the eye’s natural lens with a multifocal or extended depth of focus intraocular lens.
Financing and Pricing Options
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to clear vision Aurora LASIK offers:
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- Flexible financing options with approved credit
- HSA and FSA payment acceptance
- Competitive rates for the Pacific Northwest region
Post-LASIK Care and Recovery
Immediate Post-Operative Period
- Rest for the remainder of surgery day
- Use prescribed eye drops as directed
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
- Wear protective eyewear while sleeping
Follow-Up Schedule
- Next-day post-operative visit
- One-week follow-up
- One-month evaluation
- Three-month and six-month check-ups, if needed
- Annual eye exams for ongoing eye health
Why Choose Aurora LASIK in the Pacific Northwest?
Experienced Surgical Team
Dr. Patrick D. Munson brings over 16 years of refractive surgery experience, including 18 years as an Army eye surgeon where he earned prestigious military honors. Dr. Anthony Grillo specializes in cornea and refractive surgery with advanced fellowship training, while Dr. Angela Triebold provides comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Our investment in the latest laser technology ensures precise, safe, and effective treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Comprehensive Care
From initial consultation through long-term follow-up, our team provides personalized attention and support throughout your vision correction journey.
Convenient Location
Located in Lacey, we’re easily accessible to patients throughout the South Puget Sound region, including Tacoma, Olympia, and surrounding communities.
LASIK Hall of Fame
Alexis – Movin 92.5
“It is literally one of the best days of my life. I still just want to keep screaming, ICAN SEE, I can actually SEE! It’s definitely life changing” – Alexis from the Brooke & Jeffrey In The Morning on Movin 92.5
Chris – Seahawks
“Big shout out to Aurora LASIK for the LASIK eye surgery and finally allowing me to SEE! Much love to those docs and the staff.” – Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks
Frequently Asked Questions
Aurora LASIK, conveniently located in Lacey, Washington, serves patients throughout the Pacific Northwest including Tacoma, Olympia, and surrounding areas. Our experienced team of board-certified ophthalmologists provides comprehensive LASIK evaluations and advanced all-laser procedures in a state-of-the-art facility.
The actual laser treatment typically takes less than 10 seconds per eye for both lasers, with the entire procedure completed in about 5-10 minutes for both eyes.
Most patients return to work within 1-2 days, depending on their occupation and healing response. Those working in dusty environments or requiring extensive computer use may need additional recovery time.
LASIK is virtually painless. Numbing eye drops eliminate discomfort during the procedure, and most patients experience only mild irritation for a few hours afterward.
While LASIK results are typically permanent, natural age-related changes can occur. Enhancement procedures may be performed if needed, and we provide long-term follow-up care to monitor your vision.
Schedule Your LASIK Consultation Today
Take the first step toward visual freedom with a comprehensive LASIK evaluation at Aurora LASIK. Our experienced team will assess your candidacy, answer your questions, and help you understand your vision correction options.
Contact Aurora LASIK today to schedule your consultation and discover how LASIK surgery can transform your life in Lacey, Tacoma, and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
About Our Doctors:
Patrick D. Munson, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon with over 16 years of experience. Dr. Munson graduated from Washington University School of Medicine and completed ophthalmology residency at Madigan Army Medical Center. He served 29 years in the Army, 18 of those as an eye surgeon, earning the Legion of Merit, Order of Military Medical Merit, and the Surgeon General’s “A” Proficiency Designator. Dr. Munson is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Anthony Grillo, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery. Dr. Grillo graduated from UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology residency and cornea fellowship at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He joined Aurora LASIK in 2022 and is also affiliated with Clarus Eye Centre.
Angela Triebold, OD received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in Oregon. With over 25 years of experience providing pre- and post-operative care for refractive surgery patients, Dr Triebold ensures optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction throughout your vision correction process.
