Can LASIK Cause Long-Term Issues With Eye Moisture?
How LASIK Affects The Eyes After The Procedure
LASIK has helped millions of people correct their vision and eliminate their need for glasses or contacts. It is one of the most popular vision correction procedures, and it is proven to provide long-lasting improvements to patients’ vision. One thing that many patients experience post-procedure is eye dryness. This is extremely common and is part of the healing process. Below will help you understand why dryness in the eyes is common after LASIK and different ways that you can find relief during your recovery.
Why Dry Eyes Happen After LASIK?
As mentioned above, dry eye after LASIK is very common. During the LASIK procedure, a small flap is created on the cornea. This allows a laser to reshape the underlying tissue and correct your vision. The process often disrupts the corneal nerve in your eyes that sends signals to your brain for tear production. Since the corneal nerves are interrupted, the brain cannot receive the signal for your eyes to produce tears. This is what leads to reduced tear production and dryness. For most patients, this interruption only lasts the first few months after LASIK surgery. Over time, your nerves will heal, and your eyes will be able to send signals to your brain so moisture can return.
How Long Will Moisture Issues Last?
Patients who experience dry eye symptoms after their LASIK procedure can struggle with dryness for a few weeks to a few months. Studies show that most patients with post-op dry eye have normal eye moisture within three to six months after their procedure. It is important to understand that everyone’s healing process is different, and preexisting dry eyes or conditions can affect recovery time.
If you regularly experience dry eyes before your LASIK surgery, you may need a little longer to recover. It isn’t uncommon for some patients to experience dryness for up to a year after their LASIK surgery. If you have any questions and want to know what your recovery time looks like post-operation, connect with your provider for a pre-surgery LASIK exam. They will help you determine if you are a good LASIK candidate and help you prepare for your recovery.
Risk Factors That Can Cause Dryness In Eyes After Surgery
In addition to the regular recovery process, there are a few things that may add to the risk of eye dryness and slow the healing process.
Wearing contact lenses
Contact lenses rest directly on the eyes and rely on moisture for them to stay comfortable. If you have worn contacts for many years, over time, you will naturally lose some of your eyes’ moisture levels. This will make your eyes more prone to dryness after eye surgery.
Hormonal changes
Hormones play a huge role in LASIK dryness and can directly influence the moisture in your eyes. Your eye moisture can fluctuate if you take birth control, are breastfeeding, or are experiencing menopause.
Autoimmune conditions
Some autoimmune conditions can affect the body’s ability to produce tears. This can leave your eyes more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Patients who have an autoimmune condition may experience a slower recovery and regular dryness in their eyes.
Environmental factors
The environment can play a huge role in your eye moisture. Dry air and exposure to smoke or wind can worsen eye dryness symptoms. If you spend a lot of time staring at a screen, you blink less frequently, which reduces natural lubrication. Being mindful of your environment and your habits can help you prepare for your recovery. If you live in a dry area, using a humidifier can help keep the air humid enough to prevent a dry eye. Make sure to take many breaks from your screen throughout the day and remember to blink more often. Avoid any areas that are windy or full of smoke so your eyes don’t dry out. Being mindful of your environment can help you maintain moisture levels and make your recovery process more comfortable.
Medications
Certain medications can add to your eye dryness after your LASIK surgery and prevent tear production. If you take antihistamines, decongestants, acne treatments, blood pressure medications, or antidepressants, you may experience extra dryness after LASIK surgery. These drugs have the tendency to reduce tear production, which leaves your eyes irritated. It is important to discuss with your eye doctor before your procedure if you are taking any of these medications. Your provider will be able to give you recommendations on how to avoid additional dryness after your procedure.
How To Manage Dry Eye Symptoms
It is easy to treat and prevent the feeling of dry eyes after LASIK surgery. If you have any signs or symptoms of dryness before your procedure, or have chronic dry eyes, it is important to speak with your doctor. They may recommend a treatment plan before your procedure to help reduce the risk of post-operative dryness or make it more manageable. Most doctors recommend prescription or over-the-counter lubricating drops and warm compresses to treat dry eyes. Your doctor will be able to provide you with a schedule in which you should use your eye drops and make other treatment recommendations for other eye symptoms you may have.
When To Contact Your Doctor
Dry eyes after LASIK are a very normal and common thing. But it is still important to pay attention and update your doctor during your recovery if you experience severe dry eyes. If you have a sudden increase in dryness, your vision has become increasingly blurry, or you are experiencing any burning or redness, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will be able to make recommendations for your recovery and identify if there is something wrong.
Find Relief After Your Procedure
Temporary dry eyes are common after LASIK surgery, and most patients find that their eyes regain normal hydration within a few months after their procedure. Take the time to understand your environment and work with your doctor on the best ways to keep you comfortable during your recovery time and avoid complications with your vision. This is the best way to maintain long-term eye health and comfort for your eyes.