Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) affects many people whether they have had LASIK or not. Dry eyes are the result of either insufficient or poor quality tear film production. The human body produces tears to not only keep the eye moist and comfortable, but tear film delivers nutrients to the eye and provides clearer vision as well.
During your LASIK procedure, whether there the surgeon creates a corneal flap or you have a surface treatment such as PRK, the nerve endings that transmit messages alerting your brain to send more tears to your eyes are disrupted and will take some time to heal. Since your nerve endings are not able to relay this need, you must take over the responsibility temporarily and manually lubricate your eyes. This is the reason that you are put on a regime of artificial tears.
Although many factors can contribute to dry eye, there are a number of remedies to help alleviate the discomfort associated with the dryness. The normal progression would be for your eye doctor to start with over-the-counter artificial tear drops that range in thickness, depending on a patient's needs or he/she may suggest
nutritional supplements, then move to the possibility of punctal plugs then to a prescription drop such as
RESTASIS®. Don't let the fear of dry eyes prevent you from being glasses or contact lens-free!! Bladefree LASIK is clinically proven to help reduce many of the dry eye issues resulting from LASIK procedures.
Whether you have dry eyes pre or post-operatively, we can help! Ask our doctor what may be best for you!!
