Dr. Janis L. Holt Joins Baptist Eye Surgeons As Cataract & Cornea Specialist

Baptist Eye Surgeons • December 3, 2019

A woman wearing a white lab coat has her arms crossed Dr. Janis L. Holt will join Baptist Eye Surgeons at both the Knoxville and Morristown locations in December, 2019. Dr. Holt specializes in cataract surgery and corneal disease and transplant procedures.

She has performed thousands upon thousands of state-of-the-art cataract surgeries and partial thickness corneal transplantations. In addition, she also particularly enjoys helping patients understand and live optimally with glaucoma, diabetic eye diseases, and macular degeneration.

For example, Dr. Holt says, “I have a family experience with glaucoma, so I’m very attuned to the treatment of this disease and helping patients realize there are things they can do to make their vision better and their lives easier. So much about health care too often seems to take our power away, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I especially enjoy helping patients realize that.”

Most recently, Dr. Holt has served as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cornea specialist at Cumberland Eye Care in Crossville, TN, since 2013. Prior to that she was an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Gainesville in Gainesville, FL., and a staff physician and cornea specialist at the Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in St. Louis, MO.

Dr. Holt has the distinction of earning both an M.S. and M.D. degree. She earned a Master of Science in Molecular Biology at Saint Louis University in 1996 before earning her Doctorate in Medicine from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, in 2001. She then completed her residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, FL, in 2005, and her fellowship in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, in 2006.

Dr. Holt says, “With my background in teaching in a university setting, I bring that same passion to helping patients understand the health of their eyes. When patients better understand how their eyes work and what may be causing problems, we can empower them to make changes for better eyesight.”

As a result, patients often feel relieved to know that there are very manageable things they can do to improve their vision.

Dr. Holt also has experienced great success with patients who’ve used cosmetic procedures such as Botox for clinical purposes, including for migraines and facial spasms. She also enjoys talking with patients who need glasses or contact lenses about the wide variety of interesting options they may not be aware of.

The team of doctors at Baptist Eye Surgeons is proud to welcome Dr. Holt to the practice with her expertise in corneal procedures and cataract surgery, and her passion for helping patients understand and care for the health of their eyes.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to the treatment of complex eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye diseases.

To request an appointment or get directions to our Knoxville and Morristown locations, visit our website. Call us at 865-579-3920 for more information or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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