The team here at Broberg Eye Care is committed to helping patients in the greater Austin area have clear vision and healthy eyes. One way of accomplishing this without corrective lenses is LASIK. LASIK surgery uses lasers to reshape and revise the cornea and enhance the clarity of your vision.

In order for patients to experience the best surgical results, it’s important that they understand the pros and cons of the surgical process. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the issue of dry eye after LASIK and what this means to patients.

Dry Eye and LASIK: How common is it?

Dry eye is one of the most common side effects that people experience after they undergo LASIK surgery. It is a given considering the nature of LASIK surgery.

Why does dry eye occur after LASIK?

During the LASIK surgery itself, a small flap is created in the corneal surface. This corneal flap allows the surgical laser to revise and reshape the corneal tissue. With that said, the creation of the flap does lead to the severing of nerves in the cornea that affect tear production. These nerves will heal with time, but dry eye in the interim is to be expected.

People with Pre-Existing Dry Eye Should Not Undergo LASIK

Given that dry eye is a common side effect after people undergo LASIK surgery, people who have pre-existing cases of dry eye are poor candidates for LASIK. A non-surgical treatment option will ideally be best for them as LASIK could make matter worse for these patients.

Carry Eye Drops as You Heal from LASIK

Since dry eye is common after you undergo LASIK, patients are advised to carry eye drops with them wherever they go. This is just a common sense measure to ensure comfort and to prevent major issues with dry eye as they arise.

How long will I use my eye drops?

In most cases, patients can expect to need eye drops for several weeks to a few months. Healing varies from patient to patient, and some patients heal much faster than others. In very rare instances, the issues with dry eye can persist for a longer time. Always having eye drops on you may be ideal in general in such instances.

During your consultation at the practice, we will be sure to go over all of the pros and cons of LASIK surgery so that you can make an informed decision about your vision care and eye health needs.

Other Ways of Preventing Dry Eye Attacks After LASIK

When it comes to dry eye and LASIK, eye drops can only go so far in some instances. There are actually a number of ways that you can prevent dry eye attacks:

  • Avoid smoky environments
  • Avoid arid or excessively dry environments
  • Be wary of pollen and other particulate matter in the air
  • Always wear eye protection in appropriate situations

This combination of prevention and the use of eye drops will help you have good vision and healthy eyes for years to come.

Learn More About Laser Eye Surgery

For more information about the recovery process after you have undergone LASIK surgery as well as other topics related to vision correction, be sure to contact our eye care center today. The entire team here at Broberg Eye Care looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the very best eye health and clarity of vision.