LASIK Eye Surgery
Laser Assisted Surgery
Enjoy clearer vision without glasses or contacts with advanced LASIK at Cool Springs Surgical Associates. Our laser eye surgery centers in serve patients from all across Middle Tennessee.
Why Choose Cool Springs Surgical Associates for LASIK?
At Cool Springs Surgical Associates, you’re cared for by a Dr. Hatcher, who performs the LASIK surgeries for our practice. We will use advanced LASIK technology that relies on a femtosecond laser to create a precise corneal flap and a computer-guided excimer laser to reshape the cornea, offering an all-laser approach designed for safety, accuracy, and personalized results. Our evaluations are thorough and we’re honest about whether LASIK, PRK, or another option is safest for your eyes. From your first call to your final follow-up, we focus on making the process clear and comfortable.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK eye surgery uses lasers for every step of the procedure. Instead of a mechanical blade, a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the surface of the cornea. A second laser, called an excimer laser, then reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
How LASIK Eye Surgery Works
Numbing eye drops
Numbing eye drops are applied to keep your eyes comfortable throughout surgery. Most patients feel little more than mild pressure during treatment, with no sharp sensations.
Creating the corneal flap
A femtosecond laser creates a precise, thin flap in the outer layer of the cornea. Patients typically feel only pressure at this step, not pain.
Reshaping the cornea
The excimer laser gently reshapes the underlying corneal tissue based on your prescription and measurements. The laser treatment usually takes only seconds per eye.
Flap repositioning
The corneal flap is carefully placed back into position, where it begins to heal quickly on its own.
Benefits of LASIK
- All-laser (bladeless) flap creation
- Highly customized treatment guided by your own eye measurements
- Quick procedure times, often within 3-5 minutes per eye
- Most patients notice clearer vision within the first 24 hours, with vision continuing to improve over the next several days
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
The best way to know if LASIK is right for you is a comprehensive eye exam, but there are some general guidelines.
You may be a good candidate for LASIK if:
- You are at least 18 years old
- Your eyeglass or contact lens prescription has been stable for about one year
- You have healthy eyes, without significant corneal scarring, uncontrolled dry eye, or an active eye disease
- You have a level of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that falls within safe treatment ranges for LASIK
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of surgery
- You are in overall good health and have realistic expectations about results
If LASIK is not the best choice for your eyes, we may recommend PRK or another option that could provide similar vision improvement with a different technique. The only way to know for sure is a thorough LASIK evaluation. Schedule a consultation at our Murfreesboro office so we can determine whether LASIK or PRK is safest for you.
What to Expect with LASIK
Knowing what to expect at each step of your LASIK experience can make the process feel much more comfortable and predictable.
Before Your LASIK Procedure
Your pre-operative visit includes a full review of your medical and eye history, a comprehensive eye exam, and detailed measurements that help us create a customized treatment plan for each eye. We’ll also go over any pre-surgery instructions, such as how long to pause contact lens wear and which medications or drops to use. This appointment is an ideal time to ask questions and talk through any concerns so you feel fully prepared for surgery day.
During LASIK Eye Surgery
On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive at our surgical suite in Franklin where numbing eye drops will keep you comfortable throughout the process. A small device gently holds your eyelids open, and the femtosecond laser creates a precise corneal flap before the excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue to correct your prescription. The flap is then repositioned, and the same steps are repeated for the other eye. Most patients are surprised by how quick the procedure is and how little they feel aside from some pressure and temporary light sensitivity.
After LASIK and Recovery
Right after surgery, your vision may appear slightly hazy or foggy, but this usually improves quickly. You’ll go home the same day with prescribed eye drops and simple instructions to support healing. Many patients notice much clearer vision by the next morning and are able to return to work within a day or two, depending on their job and comfort level. Follow-up visits help us monitor your healing, and we’ll give you clear guidance about driving, exercise, makeup, and other activities to ensure your eyes recover safely.
The Cost of LASIK
Invest in your vision and your future. While LASIK involves an upfront investment, it is often more cost-effective in the long run than a lifetime of corrective eyewear. When you calculate the cumulative costs of purchasing daily or monthly contact lenses, cleaning solutions, annual exams, and new glasses frames over just two to four years, the total often exceeds the one-time cost of laser vision correction. Once your procedure is paid for, those annual savings stay in your pocket.
During your consultation, we will provide transparent pricing based on your individual vision needs and review all available payment options. Many patients utilize Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to use pre-tax dollars for their procedure, effectively lowering out-of-pocket costs. We also offer financing plans for qualified patients who prefer to divide the investment into manageable monthly payments.
Stop renting your vision and start owning it. To receive a personalized estimate and learn how LASIK can pay for itself, schedule a consultation today.
Want to know more?
Frequently asked questions
These are some of the frequently asked questions we are asked by patients about LASIK eye surgery.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
Most healthy adults with stable vision and no major eye conditions qualify for LASIK. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health to determine if LASIK eye surgery is right for you.
Are there alternatives to LASIK?
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is another laser vision correction alternative. This style of correction is especially popular among those in the military, people whose lifestyles or hobbies put them at higher risk of eye injuries, or people whose corneas are too thin for traditional LASIK. PRK takes longer to heal than LASIK, but avoids the creation of a flap during the procedure.
Does LASIK hurt?
You may feel slight pressure, but the procedure is generally painless. Numbing eye drops are used to keep you comfortable. Some patients report mild irritation or watering for a few hours afterward, but this usually subsides quickly.
How long do LASIK results last?
LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct vision, and the improvements are long-lasting. While the surgery does not wear off, your eyes will continue to age naturally, which may cause changes in your vision over time. Most patients continue to enjoy the benefits of LASIK for decades.
When can I go back to work after LASIK eye surgery?
Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities the next day after LASIK. It is important to avoid rubbing your eyes and to follow all post-operative instructions carefully. Strenuous exercise, swimming, and contact sports should be avoided for at least a week to allow your eyes time to heal.
Is LASIK safe?
Yes, LASIK is considered a very safe and effective procedure. It has been performed for decades and is one of the most common elective surgeries worldwide. With advances in technology and careful screening of candidates, LASIK has an excellent track record for safety and success. The biggest risk of LASIK surgery is dry eyes for the first few months, which can be treated with eye drops.
Get in touch
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or we can be of help. We will respond as quickly as possible and will also be glad to schedule an exam to review your eyecare needs.
CALL US
Franklin Office (615) 716-9388
Murfreesboro Office (629) 219-4040
Dickson Office (615) 446-9988
Office Hours
If you wish to Request an Appointment with Cool Springs Surgical Associates, please see below for our available hours. Appointment times are available in our Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Dickson, Tennessee locations.
Franklin & Murfreesboro
Monday to Friday
8:00AM – 4:30PM
Dickson
Monday to Friday
7:30AM – 4:00PM