Dry Eye After Lasik

Dry Eye After Lasik Surgery

As in all surgery it is important to have the proper information concern Lasik eye surgery and the post-op experience.  One of the most common complaints is Lasik and dry eyes. 

More on that in a moment.

The critical factor after Lasik is the healing of the hinged corneal flap.  That is the incision that is created to allow the laser to reshape the inner corneal surface.  Your most important concern will be the eventual healing and re-bonding of the flap to the outer surface of the cornea. 

Please don't conjure up a mental picture of a slice of eye tissue flapping up and down.  No, that flap is seated comfortably back against the cornea, where it should be.  Your eyes have the power to heal themselves and that is exactly what will be taking place after laser Lasik surgery.  Just protect your eyes and let them get to work with the healing process. 

Normal Healing Time

The normal healing time for best results after Lasik is about six-months.  After that time any problems you were having with your vision will have disappeared or dissipated to a point where they are nearly unnoticeable. Understand that just because your vision has been corrected the healing process is not over.  Complete healing of the corneal flap may take up to 24 months. During those months healing should not be a concern and it should not cause a vision problem.

After your Lasik procedure you will be scheduled for follow-up visits.  Many doctors want the first appointment to be within 24-hours of your surgery. Don't ignore those visits.  For the best results with Lasik surgery your healing process must be monitored and any adjustments be made during the post-op period.

Your Lasik surgeon may prescribe eye drops in your post-op program to avoid the dry eye after Lasik discomfort that is common.  It's a good idea to get a family member to apply the eye drops for you. Some doctors like to see a member of your family or a caregiver attend the appointments and hear the instructions for administering the drops. If no one is available you should be perfectly able to apply the eye drops yourself.

Usually you will be using eye drops for the first two-to-four weeks after your procedure. The drops will help alleviate the normal "Lasik and dry eye" discomfort you may feel during the initial healing period.

Other normal results after Lasik may include:

 Minor swelling and redness of the eyes
 Runny nose
 Watery eyes
 Sensitivity to bright light
 A slightly dry feeling in your eyes
 Lightly blurred vision
 Lasik surgery patients usually control any discomfort with Tylenol or Advil.  Anything containing aspirin is not advised.

Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light or sunlight.

Rest your eyes as much as possible and get plenty of sleep for the first two or three days after your procedure.

Stay away from all water sports and water related activities (hot tubs, whirlpools, swimming, etc.)  for the first two weeks after laser Lasik. No scuba diving for at least six weeks.

An ice pack applied to the area of the treated eye for twenty minutes is very soothing. If you apply the ice for less than 20 minutes you may not feel the beneficial effects. On the other hand if you leave the ice on longer than 20 minutes it can become more irritating than soothing. 

The ice pack should be wrapped in a clean towel before you apply it. Applying the ice pack for 20 minutes three or four times a day for the first two days can provide all the relief needed.

Vision improvement results after Lasik are certainly worth any slight discomfort you may experience.  Lasik and dry eyes is the most common complaint and that is short lived.  Just be sensible and protect your eyes after Lasik surgery and enjoy your improved vision.  

Dry Eye After Lasik