How to Prevent and Manage Dry Eyes After LASIK Treatment

After undergoing LASIK treatment, it is common to experience dry eyes. This discomfort can be bothersome, but with proper prevention and management techniques, you can help to alleviate or manage the symptoms. *This article is a guideline only is and not to be construed as medical advice. Always contact your eye care doctor with questions and for treatment options.

Understanding Dry Eyes After LASIK 

Before diving into prevention and management techniques, let’s briefly understand why dry eyes occur after LASIK treatment. During the procedure, the cornea is reshaped to improve vision. According to this peer-reviewed article by Tamimi A, et al.“Although the mechanism involved in post-LASIK eye dryness is not clearly understood, flap creation leads to temporal denervation of the cornea, which causes decreased corneal sensitivity, resulting in this condition.”

Prevention Techniques 

To minimize the occurrence of dry eyes after LASIK, consider the following prevention techniques:

1. Follow Postoperative Instructions: After LASIK surgery, your eye surgeon will provide specific instructions. Follow them diligently, including proper use of prescribed eye drops and medications. These instructions are designed to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications, including dry eyes.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day can help maintain overall hydration levels, including your tear production. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to prevent dry eyes.
3. Use a Humidifier: Incorporate a humidifier in your living space, especially in dry environments or during winter months. This device adds moisture to the air, preventing excessive evaporation of tears and reducing the likelihood of dry eyes.
4. Avoid Smoke and Irritants: Smoke and other irritants in the environment can worsen dry eyes. Avoid smoky areas and minimize exposure to air pollutants, such as dust and strong chemicals.

Management Techniques 

If you still experience dry eyes after LASIK, despite preventive measures, try the following management techniques:

1. Use Artificial Tears: Artificial tears, available over the counter, can provide immediate relief from dry eyes. Choose preservative-free drops and use them as directed or as needed throughout the day.
2. Blink Regularly: Remember to blink consciously and regularly, especially when engaging in activities that require prolonged focus, such as working on a computer or reading. Blinking helps distribute tears evenly across the surface of your eyes, reducing dryness.
3. Take Breaks from Screens: If your work involves extensive screen time, take regular breaks to rest your eyes. Looking away from the screen and focusing on distant objects can help reduce eye strain and dryness.
4. Protect Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses or protective goggles when exposed to windy or dusty environments to shield your eyes from external irritants. This can prevent excessive tear evaporation and further dryness.

Summary

There are many management and preventative options to consider when treating dry eye following LASIK surgery.  By following postoperative instructions, staying hydrated, using a humidifier, avoiding irritants, and implementing artificial tears, blinking exercises, and protective measures, you can alleviate dryness and hopefully enjoy the full benefits of your LASIK procedure. If the symptoms persist or worsen, consult your eye surgeon for further guidance and support. If you experience complications that result in loss of vision, blurriness, glare, halo, photophobia or other complications, there is hope. 100% of post-LASIK ectasia patients who responded to a 2024 BostonSight survey reported improvement in eye health, vision, and quality of life after getting PROSE treatment. PROSE treatment uses specially designed prosthetic devices (scleral lenses) that vault over the corneal surface, creating a reservoir between the cornea and the lens. The reservoir is filled with preservative-free saline to bathe and hydrate the eye all day, providing immediate relief and comfort, and promoting healing. PROSE prosthetic devices also improve vision. Think of the lens as a “new” cornea, which creates the shape of a typical, healthy cornea. This allows light to enter the eye at the correct angle for excellent vision.