Are there any long term side effects of using eye drops for dry eyes?

Doctor's Answer

Photo of Dr Daphne Han
Dr Daphne Han

Ophthalmologist

Sorry to hear that your post-Lasik dry eyes are taking a bit longer to lessen.

Typically the single vial lubricating eyedrops should be quite safe to use long term, even at fairly frequent intervals. However, the bottled forms of lubricating eyedrops tend to contain more preservatives and hence are not meant to be used too frequently, such as exceeding 4-5 times a day.

Should the frequent application of lubricating eyedrops prove to tiring or troublesome for you, consult an eye doctor again as there are other medicated eye drops, ointment and treatment options such as punctual plugs that can be extremely helpful, and may quicken your recovery from dry eyes.

Best wishes!

Dr Daphne Han

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