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Dry eyes after LASIK laser eye surgery

Published on 22nd August 2017

If you suffer from dry eye symptoms following laser eye surgery, you are not alone as some people who undergo treatment will have dry eyes to some degree post-surgery and in the vast majority of cases, after several weeks, the symptoms of dry eyes will become unnoticeable as your eyes heal.

How does LASIK cause dry eyes?

During LASIK surgery a thin flap is created on the cornea under which the energy from the laser is applied, this is what shapes the cornea to correct your vision. In order to create the flap some of the corneal nerves are cut which causes temporary damage. Due to the nerves being temporarily damaged the sensitivity of the cornea is reduced, and the nerve impulses that control the production of tears are interrupted leading them to potentially drying out.

Dry eyes after LASIK can cause discomfort and reduce the healing process. To avoid this your surgeon will provide you with moisturising eye drops to use after your procedure. It’s vital to keep your eyes lubricated in order for them to heal properly.

How long will my dry eye symptoms last?

Most patients have no dry eye symptoms at all. However, a small percentage of patients do but after several weeks the symptoms of dry eyes should be no longer noticeable or present, providing that you have kept your eyes moisturised and followed our aftercare steps. However if symptoms still persist get in touch with us and we shall arrange an appointment with your ophthalmologist.


Visualase are happy to provide more information about laser eye surgery or answer any questions - just get in touch.  

 

All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcome, through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits, including ones specific to your circumstances, at the time of your pre-operative consultation.