Laser Vision Correction
Laser Vision Correction in Chattanooga, TN
At Pomerance Eye Center, P.C., we hold ourselves to the highest standards of vision care. Our practice has the latest medical and surgical technology. We use advanced diagnostic equipment to screen for eye disorders and determine if you are an appropriate candidate for laser vision correction. Our Medical Director, Glenn N. Pomerance, M.D. and Wyn Gannon, M.D. both provide comprehensive laser vision correction services to improve your sight.
Our goal is to make your experience at Pomerance Eye Center, P.C., as pleasant as possible, beginning with your first visit to our office. Our enthusiastic staff is always happy to see you, and we go out of our way to make our facility a warm and welcoming environment to receive laser vision correction in Chattanooga. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!
CALL US: (423) 855-6800 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Types of Refractive Eye Surgery
Refractive surgery can correct or improve your vision by reshaping the cornea. If you have farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism, Laser Vision Correction (LVC) helps eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Two of the most widely performed refractive surgeries, LASIK and PRK, use lasers to reshape the cornea thereby improving the focus of your eyes without wearable devices. Another refractive surgical technique, called ClearLens Replacement (CLR), discussed in detail elsewhere on this site, may assist those who are not candidates for LVC.
LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis): This well-known vision correction surgery uses lasers to improve the way light is focused on the retina by redirecting light to a different, better focus point. LASIK is highly effective in treating myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism or any combination of these optical errors.
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy): PRK, like LASIK, uses laser to reshape the cornea so it refocuses light. The difference between LASIK and PRK is how the treatable area of the cornea is exposed during treatment.
What's the Difference Between PRK and LASIK?
When considering corrective vision surgery, you may be informed about various surgical options and wonder what the key differences are between different treatment methods. LASIK and PRK are the two most common laser surgeries available. The primary differences between LASIK and PRK are the first steps of each procedure and the healing process. The length of both surgeries is approximately fifteen minutes, and you are awake the entire time. You will be given a mild sedative to relieve anxiety prior to the surgery. You will need someone to accompany you to drive you home from your procedure.
What Does Each Procedure Entail?
During PRK, the top layer of the cornea is gently removed to gain access to the area beneath, where the treatment will occur. With LASIK, a femtosecond laser creates a hinged flap of the surface cells instead of removing it. PRK is appropriate if you have a thinner cornea. While both surgeries improve vision by reshaping the cornea, these approaches vary slightly.
PRK Surgery involves the following steps for each eye:
- Numbing eye drops are placed in the eyes.
- The central area of the corneal epithelium is mechanically removed using either alcohol or a “buffing” tool.
- While you look at a blinking light, the laser reshapes the corneal surface.
- A soft contact lens is placed on the cornea to protect it during the healing process.
Over the next 3-5 days, surface cells regenerate, replacing the removed corneal epithelium. The protective contact lens is removed during a follow-up appointment when the corneal surface is healed.
PRK involves a bit of discomfort which is relieved with use of “comfort drops” until the corneal cells have regrown.
LASIK Surgery involves the following steps for each eye:
- Numbing drops are placed in the eye.
- A femtosecond laser, (we use the IntraLase®), creates a circular, hinged flap in the cornea. This involves contact with the eye, which most people describes as mild “pressure”.
- You are moved to the treating laser (we use the WaveLight® Allegretto®), where the flap is reflected on its hinge.
- The laser reshapes the cornea's inner area to redirect light to its focus point. You will simply look at a green flashing light while this happens.
- The flap is repositioned and smoothed over until it is placed precisely back into its original position.
Healing occurs more quickly and without significant irritation due to the smaller area of surface disruption. Most patients are comfortable and do not require “comfort” drops.
Your eyes may be sensitive to light and tear for the next day or so, but vision will gradually improve over a few days. Noticeable improvements in vision can appear in as little as 24 hours.
Which Procedure Is Right for Me?
The surgeon will discuss the best plan for you. The goal, of course, is to meet patient expectations and the best way to do that is to discuss the procedure in detail in advance. During your consultation, the doctor will also review the various surgical options and provide recommendations based on your medical history and degree of visual impairment. Dr. Pomerance will spend as much time as is needed to discuss the procedure and answer any questions.
If you are considering laser vision correction, our Chattanooga team is here to answer any questions you may have.
Expert Laser Vision Treatments in Chattanooga
If your vision problems prevent you from enjoying your life to the fullest and optical correction is cumbersome, we invite you to experience excellent vision care from our compassionate professionals. We offer a FREE screening to assess candidacy for Laser Vision Correction at our Chattanooga location.
At Pomerance Eye Center, P.C., we serve Southeast Tennessee, Northwest Georgia, and Northeast Alabama providing advanced laser vision correction. Call and schedule an appointment today!
CALL US: (423) 855-6800 REQUEST APPOINTMENT