LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure to correct numerous vision problems without needing contacts or glasses. It is safe, effective, and highly successful but can carry complications like any other surgery. A common post-LASIK symptom is your eyes feeling dry and itchy. Almost 95% of the patients report chronic dryness for a few days or weeks after the surgery. The good news is that most patients recover in 6-12 months without any long term chronic dry eye issues.
When a LASIK eye surgery is performed, the surgeon makes incisions in the cornea which can damage the corneal nerves and desensitize them temporarily. It disrupts the functioning of normal nerve impulses and results in the underproduction of tears and a dry ocular surface. Your eye doesn’t sense the need to maintain moisture, producing fewer tears and leading to irritation, dryness, redness, eye fatigue, reduced visual acuity, and blurred vision.
Another reason why LASIK causes dry eyes is inflammation. It is a crucial part of healing but can make the eyes dry. Also, the new shape of your eyes can also make it difficult for tears to spread evenly, leading to dryness. It hinders your ability to focus, causing dry eyes and blurry vision.
If you suffered from dry eyes before the procedure, you will likely develop it after LASIK. In fact, up to three-quarters of people with dry and itchy eyes after surgery were diagnosed with similar symptoms beforehand. An autoimmune condition, being post-menopausal, high myopia, certain medications, underlying conditions like diabetes, living in dry environments, etc., can contribute to dry eyes after LASIK. Specific eye conditions like cataracts, keratoconus, and glaucoma can again increase your chances of dry eyes after LASIK.
For this reason, your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your eye health before the surgery and consider all these factors, creating a customized treatment plan for you. Your post-operative care will also be quite different and intensive compared to someone without a pre-existing dry eye condition. Your symptoms can be worse but temporary, and your case would require close monitoring and timely treatment adjustments.
Another common question is, “How long do dry eyes last after LASIK?” Usually, LASIK related dry eyes resolve in a short time. Most patients report a significant reduction in the discomfort within a month. Many others find their symptoms improve around 6 or 12 months after LASIK. Only a small number of people experience symptoms beyond a year or so.
You will commonly experience the symptoms immediately after the surgery. The peak of symptoms occurs within the first week. As the corneal nerves start healing, so will your post-LASIK dry eye disease (DED). In addition, permanent dry eye after LASIK is also possible. Although rare, there are chances that the symptoms can be chronic and never clear up completely. Early diagnosis and proper treatment becomes essential even if your signs are mild. If you have concerns, it’s important to discuss with your Lasik surgeon before your surgery.
Dry eye is a condition affecting one or both eyes. It can lead to blurry vision, eye strain, light sensitivity, a gritty feeling, itchiness, and a burning sensation. LASIK dry eyes can be frustrating. Fortunately, multiple options are available to treat the signs of dry eyes after LASIK. Here are the commonly recommended ones:
Preservative-free artificial tears (eye drops) or lubricating gels that you can get at any pharmacy can help relieve discomfort in your eyes post-procedure. Generally, you will be advised to use your eye drops every 1-2 hours daily in the first week, reducing the frequency with time. Consult your doctor and know the exact lubricant to use, the precise schedule, dosage, and application for your specific needs.
These minuscule plugs made of silicone can block tear ducts and prevent them from draining your tears. Once your LASIK surgeon inserts them in the eyes, it will help keep your eyes lubricated. It is also not an at-home dry eye treatment. and requires medical assistance to treat LASIK dry eyes with punctual plugs.
There are ways to treat LASIK dry eyes at home and ease the irritation. First, use wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from environmental elements like sun and wind. These can keep your tears from evaporating or the eyes from catching infections. Staying hydrated is also important so it can provide enough moisture to the body for lubricating your eyes. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can relieve eye strain and dry eyes. You can also use a warm compress to heal dry eyes after LASIK. Keep the warm compress on your closed eyelids for around 10 minutes several times a day to moisten the eyes and alleviate irritation. It is safe and comfortable, stimulating the natural oil glands in your eyes for better tear production.
It is also crucial to rest well, especially in dark and quiet environments. This can accelerate your healing and naturally lubricate the eyes as you prioritize sleep. Don’t forget to use a humidifier, which can add moisture to the air around you and prevent tear evaporation. Finally, before going to bed, and even otherwise, reduce your screen time so it doesn’t stress your eyes and cause unnecessary dryness.
Dry eyes after LASIK is common after the procedure. The symptoms are treatable and often temporary. They normally disappear altogether with time, as your eyes heal. If you are experiencing severe pain, your vision seems to be worsening, or it is been over a year, it is important to stay in touch with your eye surgeon and to reach out for assistance.
At Milan Eye Center, our team is here to help if you need an experienced eye surgeon to discuss your concerns. We are Atlanta’s top eye care professionals using state-of-the-art technology so you can receive the care you deserve. Request an appointment now and know how we can help you preserve your vision.
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