The skilled and experienced staff at Rouse Family Eye Care provides full spectrum optometry services to residents of Weston, FL, as well as those in surrounding communities. We treat all ages at Rouse Family Eye Care, and our range of services includes everything from basic eye examinations to advanced optometry. We accept a variety of insurance plans as well as offer in-house financing to ensure that our patients have access to the ocular health care that they need. We’re also a leading provider of LASIK eye surgery in the Weston community.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It’s a procedure designed to correct specific vision problems and eliminate or greatly reduce the need to wear glasses or contact lenses. A special type of laser is used to essentially reshape the cornea of the eye, changing how it refracts light.

Who Does LASIK Surgery Benefit?

LASIK surgery is often recommended for those who suffer from severe nearsightedness, astigmatism, and moderate farsightedness. Good candidates for LASIK surgery should be in good overall general health with no serious ocular issues. It is not recommended for those who suffer from dry eye syndrome, who are nursing or pregnant, who have suffered from a recent eye injury or infection, or who have uncontrolled diabetes or conditions that may adversely affect the immune system. Talk with your eye doctor about any medications you may be taking. Keep in mind that even if your optometrist decided that you aren’t a good candidate for LASIK surgery at this time, you may be able to change that over time. For instance, if you have Type II diabetes that is uncontrolled, you may be reconsidered for LASIK surgery once you’ve been able to get it under control.

How Long Does LASIK Eye Surgery Take?

LASIK surgery is an in-office procedure that usually takes less than 10 minutes per eye, depending on the amount of correction necessary. However, you should plan on spending about an hour-and-a-half in your optometrist’s office for preparation and aftercare procedures.

Is LASIK Surgery Painful?

Anesthetic drops are placed in each eye prior to the procedure to completely numb any pain. Many patients report feeling a slight pressure on their eyes during the surgery itself, and some describe a feeling like a stray eyelash for several hours afterward. Most people find that an over-the-counter pain reliever is all they need to alleviate any discomfort they’re feeling in the aftermath of the surgery.

What Are the After-Effects of LASIK Surgery?

The after-effects of LASIK surgery are highly individualized. Some patients experience mild itching or burning from between one to three days after the procedure has been performed, while others only feel minor irritation for several hours. Patients may feel increased sensitivity to light for a short period of time after LASIK surgery. Others report seeing occasional starbursts, halos, decreased clarity of vision, and dry eyes. However, these side effects are only temporary and are usually gone within three to six months.

It is important that the patient have someone to drive them home at the end of the procedure. Most patients are able to drive on their own by the end of the day.

Are the Results of LASIK Surgery Permanent?

LASIK surgery is permanent in the vast majority of patients. However, in a limited number of cases, the patient may experience regression, but this can almost always be easily corrected by follow-up treatments known as LASIK enhancements.

If you’d like more information on LASIK eye surgery or any other aspect of eye health, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.