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LASIK

Do you struggle with poor vision? Do you want to shed your glasses? Are you tired of contact lenses? University Eye Specialists physicians are experienced and well-trained ophthalmologists who have helped thousands of Knoxville area patients achieve excellent vision. LASIK procedures are done at Tennessee Valley Laser Center.

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What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a non-invasive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea. Prior to LASIK, University Eye Specialists will conduct tests to precisely determine the details of your procedure. The corneal tissue will be reshaped so that images focus correctly on the retina with the creation of a thin flap that will bond to the cornea.

The surgery does not require stitches, and recovery occurs naturally with minimal discomfort. Antibiotic and steroid drops are used for one week to ensure proper healing. Artificial tears also will be used to ensure the cornea stays smooth and lubricated while healing.

See if you are a good candidate for LASIK with our self-test.

LASIK Self-Test

What does LASIK Correct?

Nearsightedness

Nearsighted people see clearly up close, but objects that are farther away often appear blurry. A surgeon will determine your level of nearsightedness, also known as myopia, to determine the best course of action.

Farsightedness

Farsighted people can see distant objects but struggle with things that are closer. Also known as hyperopia, this condition can be addressed by LASIK.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is the result of an irregular curvature of the cornea, which distort images viewed on the retina. This condition can be addressed by LASIK.

LASIK vs. Lens

LASIK eliminates the need for glasses and contacts. Glasses can interfere with side vision and also can be scratched, cumbersome, broken or lost. Contacts must be maintained daily and can cause irritation for some users.

Most patients enjoy a higher quality of life after LASIK, such as better night vision in cases of myopia, being able to swim and enjoy water outings more freely and enjoying sports and other physical activities with significantly improved vision.

What Happens at Consultation?

During your initial LASIK screening, we thoroughly examine your eyes. The consultation includes a detailed medical and eye history and the performance of several tests, including:

Corneal topography and thickness
Dry eye
Visual acuity and refractive error
Visual field
Pupil size/light reaction
Ocular pressure
General eye health

What are the Benefits of LASIK?

Elimination and/or decreased dependency of glasses or contacts
Better experience with activities like sports and travel
Clear vision at all times, especially upon waking

Scheduling LASIK Evaluations and Determining Cost

A complete eye exam must be conducted before LASIK, as the procedures can vary depending on the condition of your eyes. Financing options are available through CareCredit. Call University Eye Specialists at 865-244-2020 for information.

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LASIK FAQ

LASIK surgery greatly improves quality of life, especially physical activities, such as running or swimming, and overall quality of vision.

Numerous clinical studies have not produced any long-term negative effects on the integrity of the eye, and data will continue to be collected over the long-term going forward. The procedure is permanent and sometimes must be repeated to enhance the final outcome.

Any procedure has risks. LASIK is regarded as one of the safest medical procedures with a lower than 1% complication rate reported related to quality of vision, not loss of vision. Choosing an experienced and well-qualified surgeon is critical for any procedure, including LASIK.

The typical patient, ages 18 to 40, will no longer need prescription glasses. Between ages 40 and 50, reading glasses may be required with or without LASIK. Reduced flexibility of the eye’s internal lens, known as presbyopia, can be addressed by a LASIK technique called monovision.

LASIK addresses nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism for those 18 and older. A thorough eye exam is needed to determine your benefit, along with a detailed discussion with your surgeon to outline goals, expectations, risks and benefits.

No. The surface of the cornea is being reshaped. The process, skill of the surgeon, diagnostic and laser technology and follow-up care are significant factors. A “best deal” approach to LASIK is misguided and inherently risky. University Eye Specialists has decades of experience.

In the past, possible side effects at night have included halos, starbursts, glare around lights and sometimes blurry vision, all of which usually diminished in the first three months. Technological advances have addressed these issues. Discuss all risks and side effects with your surgeon.

University Eye Specialists surgeons use lasers aligned with a high-speed eye tracking system. The response time is measured in milliseconds – much faster than your eye can move. A patient’s eye movements thus are neutralized, increasing safety and high-quality outcomes.

Yes, with the decision made by the surgeon and patient after weighing all factors. LASIK procedures have evolved to make it possible to fix both eyes at the same time.

In this case, if you use contacts, you will wear the contact in the untreated eye until you prepare for the second procedure. If you wear glasses, one lens without correction can be placed in the glasses until the second procedure.

A comprehensive eye exam is mandatory so that University Eye Specialists can fully explain what happens before, during and after LASIK. Contacts must be removed prior to your evaluation – 7 days for soft lenses and 3-6 weeks for hard or gas permeable lenses. You must have someone drive you home after the procedure and drive you to the doctor for a next-day office visit. Additional follow-up appointments will be scheduled.

LASIK is a medical procedure, not a health commodity, and the experience and skill of the surgeons are paramount. Call University Eye Specialists to schedule an appointment with one of our LASIK specialists at 865-244-2020.