Dry Eye After Lasik Surgery

Dry eye after Lasik surgery is not uncommon for those that have undergone the simple, yet highly technological surgical eye procedure. Dry eye syndrome pre-surgery will actually increase the risk of poor healing. Thus deciding to have Lasik for dry eyes, or to relieve the symptoms is not an option. Lasik is not recommended, in fact, if the candidate has a history of dried eyes, they may become ineligible for the surgery. Those that experience dry eye after Lasik will usually notice that the symptoms disappear within weeks or at the most months. In order to understand Lasik and all of its eligibility, the word itself must be defined. It means laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. During the procedure, the physician uses a laser to remove tiny bits of tissue from the cornea in order to reshape it. Once reshaped, the cornea works better to focus light onto the retina providing clearer vision.

Both those that are nearsighted and those that are farsighted can benefit from this surgical eye procedure. Near sighted patients typically have a cornea that is peeked too high, and surgery will flatten that peak, thus providing better vision. With patients that are far sighted, the cornea is too flat and must be raised to a higher peak for optimal vision. The advantages far outweigh the side effects such as dried eyes. There is a relative lack of pain during this surgical procedure. It can be done in the doctor's office, quickly, and without general anesthesia. Better vision is generally achieved instantaneously, or up to 24 hours after surgery. Again, Lasik for dry eyes syndrome is strictly prohibited. Dry eye after Lasik is a side effect of the procedure and cannot be fixed through the surgery.

Doctors suggest that a person suffering from the side effects of dry eye after Lasik to take it easy for a few weeks, and stay away from motorized vehicles. If dry eye syndrome develops, they should seek medical help immediately for a treatment remedy. This syndrome is when the tear ducts cannot produce enough tears to stay moist and comfortable. This condition can reduce visual quality due to intermittent blurring. Unfortunately, this syndrome can be permanent, but it is rare. Intensive drop therapy and the use of plugs are common procedures to alleviate the symptoms of the syndrome. Artificial tears are one of the more popular methods for a quick and painless relief of dried eyes - not Lasik for dry eyes.

Because the eyes are delicate structures and can be injured easily, special care must be taken to protect them. Flying debris, such as wood chips from a saw, filings from a grinding wheel, or small sticks and stones thrown by a lawn mower can be severely damaging, and also be a cause for dried eye syndrome. Goggles should always be worn to protect the eyes when near these types of hazards or when playing sports outdoors. The dust and dirt that can get into an eye can not only cause dried eyes, but can also cause other ailments which would require laser surgery to improve vision. However, remember that Lasik for dry eyes is not appropriate or recommended. Intense light can also be damaging, which is why sunglasses are suggested when bright lights or the sun are out. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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