If you’ve been considering LASIK to correct your vision you may be wondering what impact LASIK has on dry eyes. If I have dry eyes, am I a candidate for LASIK? Does LASIK cause dry eyes? Dry eye is a common condition experienced by many people, regardless of whether they have had any eye surgeries or procedures. And, some people may experience more dryness for a period of time after LASIK. While this might sound alarming, it’s important to understand the relationship between LASIK and dry eyes, what you can do to manage or prevent it, and why selecting an experienced LASIK provider can make all the difference in your outcome.
Dr. Candace Seagraves, an experienced optometrist who works closely with several LASIK.com Network Surgeons and who have managed thousands of LASIK patients pre- and post-operatively talks about LASIK and dry eyes.
What Causes Dry Eyes After LASIK?
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the quality of your tears isn’t sufficient to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. After LASIK, some patients experience a temporary increase in dryness. Why? During the procedure, the LASIK surgeon reshapes the front surface of the eye called the cornea to correct your vision. This affects some of the nerves involved in tear production, and as a result, the eyes may produce fewer tears during the healing process, leading to short-term dryness for some patients.
It’s important to note that post-LASIK dryness are usually temporary and improve as the eyes heal. For most people, symptoms resolve in a few weeks to months. If you already have dry eyes, LASIK could make them a bit more noticeable. That’s why it’s essential to be properly screened by an experienced LASIK provider before deciding to move forward with the procedure. This includes finding a provider who is comfortable telling you that you are not a medically safe candidate for the procedure based on long-term dry eye symptoms. This is not common for most patients, but those patients who have systemic dry eye syndrome, LASIK may not be a viable option. Only a LASIK professional will be able to tell you if you are a medically safe candidate for laser vision correction though.
How to Know If You’re at Risk for Dry Eyes
If you already suffer from dry eye syndrome, your LASIK surgeon will need to assess the severity before recommending LASIK. You might be at a higher risk for dry eyes after LASIK if:
- You frequently experience burning, itching, or a gritty sensation in your eyes.
- You find yourself using artificial tears regularly or have been prescribed medicated eye drops to manage your dry eyes.
- Your eyes feel excessively fatigued after reading or using a computer for long periods.
- You’ve been diagnosed with conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome or other autoimmune diseases.
LASIK.com providers will thoroughly evaluate your tear production and overall eye health before determining whether LASIK is right for you. They may recommend treatments or remedies to improve dry eyes before treatment, such as prescription eye drops or punctual plugs, which help conserve tears.
Why Choosing an Experienced LASIK Provider Matters
When it comes to LASIK, selecting an experienced provider is one of the most critical decisions you can make. Here’s why:
- Comprehensive Pre-Screening: A seasoned LASIK surgeon knows the importance of a thorough evaluation before surgery. This means identifying any existing conditions, like dry eyes, that could impact your LASIK results. An experienced provider will perform advanced diagnostic tests to assess tear production, corneal thickness, and overall eye health to ensure you’re a good candidate.
- Tailored Treatment Plans: No two eyes are the same, which is why a customized approach to LASIK is so important. Experienced LASIK providers can tailor the procedure to your unique vision needs and eye condition, minimizing the risk of complications like dry eyes. They also use the latest technology, such as wavefront-guided LASIK, which can improve precision and reduce the risk of post-op dryness.
- Proven Track Record: An experienced LASIK surgeon has successfully performed thousands of procedures, which means they’ve seen and treated a variety of cases, including patients with dry eyes. This experience allows them to anticipate and address potential issues before, during, and after surgery, giving you the best possible outcome.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: Your post-LASIK care is just as important as the surgery itself. Dryness can be managed effectively with the right aftercare plan. An experienced LASIK provider will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes after surgery, including the use of preservative-free artificial tears and other dry eye treatments. They’ll also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns promptly.
Managing Dry Eyes After LASIK
For those who do experience dry eyes after LASIK, there are more ways to manage symptoms and support recovery:
- Artificial Tears: Using preservative-free artificial tears can help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Your LASIK provider may recommend specific eye drops to use during the healing process. This is common and usually sufficient.
- Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to your eyes can stimulate tear production and improve tear quality prior to or when cleared after treatment.
- Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter remedies aren’t enough, your provider may prescribe medications like anti-inflammatory eye drops or oral supplements to improve tear production.
- Punctal Plugs: In some cases, your surgeon may suggest punctal plugs, which are tiny inserts placed in the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly. This helps keep your eyes hydrated for longer periods.
Should You Be Concerned About LASIK and Dry Eyes?
The good news is that for most patients, dryness after LASIK is a temporary side effect that resolves as the eyes heal. And with advancements in LASIK technology and techniques, the risk of long-term dry eye complications has significantly decreased. Still, if you have concerns, the key is open communication with your LASIK provider. A highly skilled and experienced surgeon will walk you through every step of the process, from pre-surgery assessments to post-op care, to ensure the best possible outcome.
Final Thoughts: Take the First Step Toward Clear Vision
If you’re considering LASIK but are worried about dry eyes, the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced LASIK.com provider. They’ll evaluate your eyes, discuss your options, develop a personalized treatment plan, and to address any concerns. By choosing a trusted provider, you’ll be setting yourself up for a safe, effective procedure and clearer, more comfortable vision for years to come.
