What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that uses a high-accuracy beam of light to correct the surface of the cornea – allowing patients to enjoy the comfort of clear vision without the use of glasses or contacts. LASIK's status as the most popular method of laser vision correction is a testament to years of perfecting surgical technology and a long-standing reputation among the most successful, safest surgeries in the world.

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  How long has LASIK been around?

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  Is LASIK safe?

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  What are common misconceptions about LASIK?

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  What happens if I develop a cataract after LASIK?

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  How does LASIK surgery work?

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  What does "Bladeless LASIK" mean?

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  Do you use a laser to create the cornea flap?

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  LASIK vs. Custom LASIK

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  Am I a good candidate for LASIK?

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  What should I expect during my LASIK consultation?

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  Is there anything I can do that might disrupt the surgery?

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  Can I have LASIK on the same day as my evaluation?

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  Can I do one eye now, then the other later?

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  What should I expect during the procedure?

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  How soon will I notice a difference in my vision?

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  What is the most common side effect of LASIK?

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  Will I have glare or halos after LASIK?

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  Why do some doctors charge more than others?

LASIK FAQs Video

Dr. Colby Stewart answers some of the most common LASIK questions covering your initial consultation, LASIK screening and qualification, the surgical process and post-operative care.

What does LASIK fix?

Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism – over the past decade, advances in ablating lasers, corneal preparation and presurgical vision mapping allow most major refractive eye conditions to achieve 20/20 vision or better with LASIK vision correction.

Who can have LASIK?

Not everyone will be a candidate for LASIK.  Certain eye, health and lifestyle conditions may disqualify some candidates from the procedure. Only an ophthalmologist can determine if you are a good candidate for LASIK. For preliminary indication of your LASIK candidacy, complete our brief LASIK qualification checklist.

What are typical LASIK results?

Over 90% of all patients experience prescription results of 20/20 ('perfect' vision).  Many patients even experience 20/15 (better than 20/20). While certain unique eye conditions may not be conducive to these results, these patients may be able to drive without glasses or may only need them for certain activities after LASIK surgery.  Dr. Colby Stewart is proud of a 15-year track record of producing vision correction results and post-surgical eye health that places him in an elite group of surgeons throughout the nation.

How much does LASIK cost?

The industry average cost of LASIK is varied. Advertised prices can range from around $600 per eye to $3500 per eye.  On the low end are bait-and-switch gimmicks designed to lure patients into calling with the intention of up-selling to a higher-priced option. On the high end are surgeons that price their services as a premium for 'celebrity' status or to reassure patients that they are paying for the best.

Dr. Colby Stewart has always priced his services in a way that allows him to provide the industry's best equipment and spend the time necessary to ensure predictable results at a cost that is affordable to most patients.  To help those patients that want an affordable option for the best results possible but need financial assistance, he offers 2 years of interest-free financing for qualified applicants. For a free quote on your LASIK surgery, contact our LASIK Coordinator.

Are all LASIK doctors the same?

While LASIK enjoys a fantastic track record, it is not without risks. Drafting on LASIK's already growing popularity, inexperienced ophthalmologists – using low-price, high-volume business models – have opened LASIK shops across the globe. While the amazing accuracy of surgical technology eliminates most complications, there is no substitute for the skill, intuition and compassion of talented, experienced physicians. All LASIK surgeons are NOT the same, we are proud to say that Dr. Stewart represents the best in LASIK skill and technology at a price designed to be affordable for most patients.

Are there risks?

Although approved by the FDA, LASIK – like any surgery – has potential risks. Some of these risks can occur before, during, and after surgery. While some complications can be corrected or treated, some issues can be irreversible.

In less than .03% of the cases, a cornea flap complication can occur during surgical preparation. This could be a free cap, a torn cap or a button-hole in the cornea. These types of intraoperative complications are extremely rare, but on occasion, can happen. Usually, the surgery is cancelled, the cornea is allowed to heal for 3 to 6 months, and LASIK can be done at a later date.

Postoperative infections are extremely rare but can occur. (Tennessee Lasik Associates has never had an infection in over 12,000 cases.) The use of antibiotic drops after surgery, greatly reduces the risk of infection.

Other potential risks include severe dry eye syndrome, various visual issues (halos, glare, starburst, double vision and loss of sight) and the continued need for glasses or contact lenses after the surgery.

What if I need a surgical enhancement?

The need for an enhancement is a possibility. The national average for patients requiring enhancements after surgery is about 8-10%. If you are extremely nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic, your chance for an enhancement is higher than the average patient.

Farsighted patients have the tendency to regress more than nearsighted patients. Planning for this regression, Dr. Stewart uses 15 years of experience to carefully 'overcorrect' farsighted patients during surgery by 20%. This means that a farsighted patient will initially be nearsighted right after surgery. These patient’s distance vision will continue to improve and perfect over a two to three week period.