Dry Eyes after Lasik: What to Expect and How to Deal With Them

If you are one of the millions of people who have undergone Lasik surgery, you may be wondering what to expect when it comes to your eyesight after the procedure. Dry eyes is one of the most common side effects of Lasik surgery, and can last for weeks or even months afterwards. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of dry eyes after lasik, as well as ways to deal with them.

What Is Lasik?

Lasik is a type of refractive surgery that is used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure is performed by using a laser to reshape the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye.

It is becoming a rather popular procedure, with over 700,000 people undergoing Lasik surgery each year all over the world. It is a very effective way to improve vision, with the majority of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better after surgery.

While Lasik surgery is generally safe and effective, there are a number of potential side effects that can occur, one of the most common being dry eyes.

What Causes Dry Eyes After Lasik?

Lasik is a relatively quick and painless procedure that has a high success rate. However, as with any type of surgery, there are some risks and side effects associated with Lasik.

• Dry eyes is one of the most common side effects of Lasik surgery. It occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears, or when the tears do not adequately lubricate the eye. This can happen because the surgery alters the shape of the cornea, which changes the way that tears flow over the eye.
• Moreover, there is a small chance that the Lasik procedure can cause a decrease in tear production. This is because the surgery involves making a small cut in the cornea, which can damage the nerve endings that control tear production.
• It also so happens that some of the medications used before and after Lasik surgery can contribute to dry eyes. These include antihistamines, decongestants, and even some types of birth control pills.
• Lastly, it so often is the case that people who undergo Lasik surgery are more susceptible to dry eyes because they tend to be older, have a history of dry eye syndrome, or take certain medications that can cause dry eyes.

All of these factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes after Lasik surgery.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eyes After Lasik?

The symptoms of dry eyes after Lasik can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience mild discomfort, while others may have more severe symptoms. The most common symptoms of dry eyes after Lasik include:

• Eye irritation or fatigue
• Redness in the eyes
• Sandy or gritty feeling in the eye
• Burning or stinging sensation in the eye
• Excess tearing
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Sensitivity to light
• Stringy mucus in the eyes

All these symptoms are usually temporary and will resolve within a few weeks or months. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so they can determine if you need treatment.

What Are The Other After-Risks Of Lasik?

In addition to dry eyes, there are also a number of other risks and side effects associated with Lasik surgery. These include:

• Temporary visual disturbances: These mean that you may see glare, halos, or double vision immediately after surgery. However, these side effects usually go away within a few days or weeks.
• Infection: Infection can happen due to bacteria getting into the eye during surgery. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your eyes after Lasik, in order to avoid such infiltrations.
• Inflammation: Inflammation means that the white blood cells of your immune system are working to fight off infection in the area. Lasik surgery can sometimes cause inflammation, but it is usually mild and goes away within a few days.
• Corneal flap complications: In some cases, the corneal flap created during Lasik surgery may not heal properly. This can lead to vision problems, and in rare cases, the need for a second surgery.
• Under-correction or over-correction of vision: In some cases, Lasik surgery may not correct your vision as much as you had hoped. In other cases, it may correct your vision too much

While the majority of people who have Lasik surgery experience no complications, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects before undergoing the procedure. If you are considering Lasik surgery, be sure to discuss all of the risks and benefits with your doctor beforehand.

How To Manage Dry Eyes After Lasik?

If you are experiencing dry eyes after Lasik, there are a few different treatment options available. Your doctor may recommend using artificial tears or ointments to help lubricate your eyes. You may also be advised to use a humidifier in your home to help keep your eyes from getting too dry. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help treat your dry eyes. The medication helps to increase tear production or decrease the inflammation in your eyes. Some common types of medicines for dry eyes include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs: These help to decrease the inflammation in your eyes.
• Immunomodulators: These help to decrease the immune response in your eyes.
• Tear enhancers: These help to increase tear production.

If you are having difficulty managing your dry eyes with over-the-counter treatments, be sure to talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a more potent medication or recommend a different treatment option.

Some other self-care habits that you can do to help manage dry eyes after Lasik include:

• Avoiding smoke and other irritants
• Using a computer screen filter
• Wearing sunglasses or special glasses to help block wind and dust
• Eating a healthy diet
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids

All these self-help and medical treatments can help to alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes after Lasik. If you are still having difficulty managing your dry eyes, be sure to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options. With the proper treatment, most people are able to manage their dry eyes and enjoy good vision after Lasik surgery.

Conclusion

Dry eyes after Lasik surgery can be a nuisance, but there are a number of treatment options available to help alleviate the symptoms. If you are experiencing dry eyes after Lasik, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.

If you have any more questions, feel free to contact Eye Mantra’s experts. EyeMantra offers the most advanced lasik options including PRK, Femto Lasik , SMILE surgery, Standard lasik and Contoura vision. If you have any questions on lasik surgery, lasik surgery cost and lasik procedure, call us at +91-9711116605 or email at [email protected].