![]() Generally speaking, doctors recommend using preservative-free drops that are less likely to further irritate your eye. Artificial tears or lubricating drops are a good option for the months immediately following your procedure. If you’re experiencing dry eye following a LASIK procedure, there are a number of ways to relieve your symptoms. Additionally, you may be advised to use a lubricating eye drop prior to your surgery. Some doctors will prescribe flaxseed oil or fish oil before LASIK to boost the proteins in your eyes. MMP-9 testing: checks for protein levels that may be impacted by inflammation following LASIKĮyelid health and other aspects of tear production may also be examined to ensure there are no underlying conditions that may be exacerbated by the LASIK procedure.Imaging: used to look at tear film without touching the eye’s surface. ![]() ![]() Tear breakup time: used to see how tears are distributed and “break up” on the eye’s surface.Schirmer test: used to measure tear production.An ophthalmologist may check for dry eye using one or more of the following tests: Pre- and Post-LASIK Dry Eye Treatmentīefore undergoing LASIK, it’s important to receive a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your risk for dry eye. Regardless of what causes LASIK-induced dry eye, most of the symptoms will go away over time or are treatable with eye drops. Alternatively, the new cornea shape created by the LASIK procedure may impact the way the eyelid interacts with the eye’s surface, affecting blinking and tear production. The inflammation caused by surgery could be one possible cause of eye dryness. There are a few other theories researchers are investigating, as well. This connection repairs itself over time, and as your eye heals, dry eye symptoms will start to subside. This causes the communication between your cornea and tear glands to break down, and your body may produce fewer tears as a result. That said, there are a few well-supported theories as to why this correlation exists.įor instance, nerves in the cornea are cut during the LASIK procedure, resulting in minor corneal nerve damage that reduces corneal sensitivity. Researchers have yet to figure out why, exactly, there is a link between LASIK surgery and dry eye. Patients who are very nearsighted before LASIK, or have their vision corrected to a high degree.Patients with autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome.Patients taking antihistamines, certain blood pressure medications, or antidepressants, all of which can decrease eye moisture.Women, especially those who are going through or have gone through menopause.Researchers have found the following groups are more likely to have dry eye after LASIK, PRK, or other vision correction procedures : Some patients are at higher risk for LASIK-induced dry eye than others. However, in half to three-quarters of patients who experience dry eye, symptoms were present before they received LASIK surgery.įor patients whose dry eye is triggered by or exacerbated by LASIK, symptoms usually improve as their eyes heal, with most symptoms subsiding entirely within six to 12 months of the procedure. It’s a common misconception that LASIK is the primary cause of dry eye. Here’s what causes dry eye following LASIK, as well as some treatments that can help relieve dry eye symptoms. Dry eye is the most common complication following LASIK: around 95% of patients experience dry eye after the procedure.ĭry eye after LASIK is normal, and can be managed effectively with eye drops and other treatments. While LASIK is a relatively common and low-risk eye surgery, there are a few side effects that patients may experience for up to a year following the operation. People considering LASIK eye surgery may be concerned about the possible side effects of the procedure. Here’s how to treat the symptoms and get relief. Nearly 95% of patients experience dry eye following LASIK surgery.
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