Dr. Erin Seefeldt, MD
Ophthalmologist
34719 6th Ave. S Federal Way WA, 98003About
Well-versed in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Seefeldt is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, practicing at Olympia Medical Center in Washington. She specializes in refractive cataract, RLE and MIGS surgery, LASIK and comprehensive clinical care. She regularly sees diabetic exams, glaucoma, dry eye and Macular degeneration. Her goal is to maintain and maximize vision today and throughout a patient’s life.
Education and Training
F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences medical degree 2008
University of Oregon 0
Board Certification
American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO)
Vision ICL
Visx
Wavefront-guided LASIK and PRK
iStent and Kahook dual Blade goniotomy
Provider Details
Dr. Erin Seefeldt, MD's Expert Contributions
What is the age limit for eye laser surgery?
There are many different types of laser eye surgery. LASIK and PRK do not have an upper age limit.=20 READ MORE
How do you wash your face after eye surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery. For LASIK or Cataract/RLE I recommend not getting any water in the eyes or soap for the first 72 hours. READ MORE
Why is LASIK performed awake?
LASIK is performed awake to remove the risk of sedation and to allow the patient to fixate which ensures the treatment is centered. The procedure is fast, most laser treatments take only a few minutes and they do not hurt. So putting you to sleep increases the risk and does not improve results. READ MORE
Can you get an eye infection from swimming?
Yes, water can carry many infectious organisms. These can lead to infection if the surface is injured or compromised in some way. Contact lenses increase the risk. Avoid water as directed after surgery. READ MORE
How much rest is needed after cataract surgery?
For standard uncomplicated surgery I recommend taking the day of surgery and following day with no scheduled work or activity. No exercise, bending, heavy lifting or sex for 1 week. Certain lenses, types of surgery, and patients need longer. READ MORE
Will I need reading glasses after cataract surgery?
You will need reading glasses after surgery unless you chose an implanted lens that includes near vision. Talk to your surgeon to make sure you know exactly what will be in focus without glasses on after surgery. READ MORE
Can your eyes regress after Lasik?
LASIK reshapes the cornea on the front of the eye to correct your prescription. This treatment does not stop the natural aging of the eye which is mostly due to lens changes. So you will still need glasses for reading starting around age 40 to 50. If your eye is getting longer throughout your life you will become more nearsighted again. In order to try to identify people who will quickly become nearsighted again after surgery, we review 2 years of glasses prescriptions to look for stability. If you prescription is changing going into surgery, it is likely to continue to change after surgery. READ MORE
What is the best eye drops for tired eyes?
This depends on what tired means. For some people it means blurry or dry, in that case an over the counter artificial tear may help. If this doesn't help get checked for glasses. If tired means your eyelids are getting heavy you should see your eye doctor. READ MORE
Does Lasik reduce eye pressure?
LASIK does not reduce the actual pressure in the eyes. However, it does thin the cornea. The tools we use to measure pressure are calibrated for a normal corneal thickness of about 540-550 microns. Because of this thinner corneas will read lower as a lower pressure and thicker corneas will read higher. Experience eye care doctors will know how to adjust for this. READ MORE
Why do I see better with contacts than glasses?
Great question! The closer you move the correction to the focal point or nodal point, the more clearly you will see. Contacts place the correction closer to this point. Contacts also improve vision if you have any irregular astigmatism because the tear film fills in the irregularities and improves clarity. Make sure to wear your contacts as directed as over wear can lead to infections and scarring. READ MORE
Can glaucoma progression be stopped?
For some patients, we are able to stop glaucoma procession. Other patients have very aggressive glaucoma which progresses in spite of the best efforts of the patient and physician. The goal of pressure lowering drops, laser like SLT, and glaucoma surgery is to slow the rate of glaucoma progression. At age 39, slowing progression as much as possible is key, so make sure you are getting regular monitoring to check for progression and staying regular with taking eye drops. You can also ask your doctor about SLT. Managing glaucoma over your lifetime to preserve vision is reliant on a good patient and physician partnership so make sure you have a doctor who regularly manages glaucoma patients and who you enjoy working with. READ MORE
Can you be under anesthesia during Lasik?
Most patients are given an oral tablet to reduce anxiety. Many LASIK centers are not staffed with an Anesthesia provider that would provide and monitor a higher level of anesthesia, but some are. Most patients, even anxious patients get through the treatment just fine with an oral relaxing tablet. The procedure is not painful and takes minutes. READ MORE
How long is vision blurry after LASIK?
Everyone heals differently, but most people notice a big improvement in the first 48 hours and then continued improvement over the first several weeks. If you are near sighted (see better up close without glasses or contacts) prior to surgery you will likely see clearly sooner. Make sure you follow all the post op instructions for best results. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Director of the ophthalmology residency program Madigan Army Medical Center -
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- Global Cataract Surgery Missions
Dr. Erin Seefeldt, MD's Practice location
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Media Releases
Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Erin Seefeldt, who serves patients in Washington.
Well-versed in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Seefeldt practices at Evergreen Eye Center in Washington. She specializes in cataract and refractive surgery, including micro-invasive glaucoma procedures and comprehensive clinical care. Comprehensive care includes diabetic care, macular degeneration and dry eye therapy. Her goal is to maintain and maximize vision throughout a patient’s life.
“I love working with patients to find the right care plan to meet their goals. I have experience with lasers for glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and toric, and multifocal lens implants for optimized cataract surgery outcomes. I also enjoy working with special needs patients and low vision patients” expressed the doctor.
Kaiser Permanente has provided high-quality, affordable health care services since 1945, improving the health of their members and the communities they serve. Through their unique model, nation-leading prevention, and cutting-edge treatment, they care for their members like no other health system.
Prior to joining Evergreen Eye in 2021, Dr. Seefeldt practiced at Kaiser Permanente. She spent 3 years as Director of the ophthalmology residency program at Madigan Army Medical Center, and 20 years serving in the US Army. During her time with the US Army, she travelled the world caring for patients and led wonderful teams. Naturally, as an Army veteran, she holds a special place in her heart for veterans and their families.
With a broad educational background, Dr. Seefeldt completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon. She began her career in medicine by earning her medical degree from the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in 2008. She then went on to complete her internship and residency in ophthalmology at the Madigan Army Medical Center in 2009 and 2012, respectively.
A member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, she is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). The ABO is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.
Furthermore, she holds certifications in various ophthalmologic techniques, including Vision ICL, Visx, Wavefront-guided LASIK and PRK, iStent and Kahook dual Blade goniotomy.
In her professional experience, Dr. Seefeldt is currently the President of a 501c3 non-profit called Hope Vision Foundation, empowering patients with vision loss and their caregivers. She also gives back through Global Cataract Surgery Missions, providing surgery to those without regular access to care.
Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing, as well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.
Happily married, Dr. Seefeldt has two wonderful kids and two dogs. She loves being active and enjoys listening to music, kayaking, skiing, walking, running, and swimming. She also loves creating art. If she is not outside with her family, most likely she will be inside painting.
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Nearby Providers
- Dr. Brenda Myers-Powell M.D. PH.D.33915 1ST WAY S FEDERAL WAY WA 98003
- Dr. Darryl Jay Ainbinder M.D.Madigan Army Medical Center Mchj-Sou Tacoma WA 98431
- Dr. Michael Steiner MD13512 AMBAUM BLVD SW 3RD FLOOR BURIEN WA 98146
- Dr. William K Shields M.D.2914 S Alder St Tacoma WA 98409
- Dr. George J Ko MD4300 Talbot Rd S Renton WA 98055
- Dr. Niraj P. Patel M.D.3602 South 19th Street Tacoma WA 98405