If you’re experiencing dry eyes after LASIK, the right eye drops can provide immediate relief and support healing.
Choosing the best option depends on the severity of your dryness, your doctor’s advice, and your specific eye needs.
Dry eyes are a common side effect after LASIK, as the procedure temporarily disrupts the nerves responsible for your tear production. This disruption can lead to symptoms like dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. While these effects are typically temporary, managing dryness effectively is key to supporting the healing process and maintaining comfort during recovery.
Below, we’ll explore the best eye drops for post-LASIK dryness, what to look for, and helpful tips for their proper use.
Why Are Dry Eyes Common After LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular vision correction procedure known for its convenience and success rate. However, this surgery can cause temporary nerve damage in the cornea, which in turn disrupts your eye’s ability to send signals to create tears.
This often results in post-LASIK dry eye syndrome, especially in the first few months following surgery. Symptoms may include:
- A gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Feeling like something is in your eye (foreign body sensation)
Now that we know why dryness happens, let’s talk about the role of eye drops in easing discomfort and aiding recovery.
What Makes Eye Drops Essential After LASIK?
Your doctor will likely recommend using preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes hydrated following LASIK. These drops provide a temporary moisture boost and can soothe irritation while encouraging healing.
Here’s why eye drops are essential for LASIK recovery:
- Relieve Symptoms: They alleviate dryness, itchiness, and a gritty feeling.
- Promote Healing: Hydration aids in corneal cell regeneration.
- Prevent Complications: Proper lubrication prevents potential post-surgery complications like infections or scarring.
- Protect Vision: Well-lubricated eyes ensure clearer, more stable vision during recovery.
While using the right eye drops is critical, understanding which types are most suitable is just as important.
Types of Eye Drops for Post-LASIK Dryness
Eye drops come in several forms, and knowing the differences can help you make the best choice.
1. Preservative-Free Artificial Tears (Recommended)
If you’re wondering which drops most LASIK surgeons recommend, the answer is preservative-free artificial tears. These are the gold standard in post-LASIK care because they are free of harsh chemicals that may aggravate sensitive, healing eyes.
Benefits:
- Gentle for frequent use
- Mimic natural tears without added preservatives
- Reduce the risk of irritation
Popular Brands:
- Refresh Optive Advanced
- Systane Ultra
- TheraTears Preservative-Free
- Blink Tears
These single-use vials are convenient and sterile, making them the safest option for LASIK patients.
2. Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Inserts
For those with severe dryness that eye drops can’t address fully, hydroxypropyl cellulose inserts (such as Lacrisert) are a great option. These small, dissolvable inserts are placed in the lower eyelid, gradually releasing a lubrication gel throughout the day.
Benefits:
- Long-lasting relief for severe dryness
- Fewer applications required compared to drops
However, these may not be necessary unless prescribed by your doctor.
3. Ointments and Gels
For use primarily at night, lubricating eye ointments and gels offer extended moisture and protection against overnight dryness. These thicker formulas can blur vision temporarily, making them ideal for bedtime use rather than daytime activity.
Popular Options:
- Systane Nighttime Ointment
- Refresh PM
4. Prescription Eye Drops
For moderate to severe dryness cases, prescription eye drops like Restasis (cyclosporine) or Xiidra (lifitegrast) can stimulate tear production and address underlying causes of dryness. These drops are long-term solutions and may take several weeks to fully show results.
Always follow your eye doctor’s guidance if prescription drops are recommended.
5. Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASEDs)
This specialised treatment uses your own blood serum to create personalised, nutrient-rich eye drops. While less common, they’re an effective solution for severe dryness that hasn’t responded to other treatments. Availability depends on your doctor and the severity of your condition.
What to Avoid When Choosing Post-LASIK Eye Drops
Certain types of eye drops can cause more harm than good in your recovery. Steer clear of products with the following risks:
1. Preservative-Containing Drops
While preservatives extend shelf life, they can irritate sensitive eyes and delay healing.
2. Redness-Reducing Drops
Drops like Visine that claim to “get the red out” often contain decongestants, which can temporarily help redness but irritate dry, healing eyes over time.
3. Contact Lens Rewetting Drops
While rewetting drops are great for lubricating contacts, they are not designed to treat LASIK-induced dryness.
How to Properly Use Eye Drops After LASIK
To get the most out of your eye drops, follow these tips for effective application:
- Wash Your Hands thoroughly before use.
- Tilt Your Head Back and look upward to open your eyes.
- Carefully Lower Your Bottom Eyelid to form a small pocket.
- Apply the Recommended Number of Drops (typically 1-2) without touching your eye with the dropper.
- Keep Your Eyes Closed for a few seconds to allow absorption.
- Store Properly to maintain sterility, especially for preservative-free vials.
Pro Tip:
Carry a vial of preservative-free tears with you wherever you go for on-the-go hydration. Frequent use is key to staying comfortable.
Additional Tips for Managing Dry Eyes Post-LASIK
Eye drops are just one aspect of managing dry eyes after LASIK. Here are other helpful strategies to maximise recovery:
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure adequate hydration to promote tear production.
- Use a Humidifier: Increasing humidity levels in the air can help prevent dryness in the eyes.
- Take Omega-3 Supplements: These are known to support eye health and lubrication.
- Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Safeguard your eyes from wind, dust, and harmful UV rays.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Everyone’s eyes are unique; your ophthalmologist’s recommendations are the most reliable guide.
When to See Your Doctor
While some dryness is normal after LASIK, consult your doctor if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening symptoms beyond 1-2 months
- Significant vision changes
- Signs of infection like discharge, swelling, or severe redness
Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan, prescribe different drops, or recommend supplementing with advanced therapies.
A Clearer Future with the Right Care
Dry eyes after LASIK may be an unavoidable part of the healing process, but with the right eye drops and care, relief is within reach. Whether you’re using preservative-free artificial tears for mild dryness or prescription drops for more severe symptoms, staying consistent with your regimen is key.
Remember, your LASIK surgeon and optometrist are there to guide your recovery and ensure the best outcome. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns.
LASIK has already opened the door to clearer vision, and handling dryness effectively will help you fully enjoy the benefits of your procedure. Here’s to a smooth recovery and a stunning new perspective!
