What are some good alternatives to Punctal Plugs for treating dry eyes after LASIK?

Doctor's Answers 1

First off, punctal plugs are generally not easily displaced, even with eye rubbing. This is especially true of the temporary types, which are inserted completely into the tear drainage channels. Secondly, it is advisable not to rub your eyes, whether or not you have had LASIK. Rubbing can potentially cause several problems, depending on how hard you do it.

The most basic way of treating dry eyes is to use artificial tears. As such, one alternative to punctal plugs is to simply use eyedrops more often or to use thicker kinds of eyedrops/preparations which will last longer on the eye.

Some other methods that have been used to treat dry eyes (with or without LASIK) include Cyclosporine eyedrops (Restasis or Ikervis) and Omega 3 supplements. The effects of these methods are variable/unpredictable and often take a while to show themselves. Still, they can be used as ‘adjuncts’ ie as methods that help the main treatment of using artificial tear drops.

If a person has tried punctal plugs before and found that they work well to reduce the dry eye problem, a permanent way to close the tear drainage channels called punctal cautery can be used with very good effect.

Similar Questions

Should I delay LASIK if I suffer from symptomatic dry eyes and Epithelial Keratopathy?

When there are symptoms suggestive of any potential eye disease, I would recommend addressing the underlying problems first before embarking on any form of surgery, refractive surgery included. Complaints such those you described are suggestive of dry eye and refractive error instability which would warrant caution prior to making any decision for surgery. Should you have any concerns, it would be perfectly appropriate for you to raise them with your surgeon. Work closely with a trusted surgeon to decide on the best course forward. Otherwise, a second opinion could help allay your worries.

How does LASIK cause dry eyes?

During a LASIK operation, a thin superficial layer of cornea is created and temporarily peeled back to allow laser treatment of the underlying tissue. This is called the ‘lasik flap’, and is what provides the quick and painless recovery after LASIK. Some nerve endings that go into the flap are ‘disconnected’ at the time, and this reduces the feedback that our tear glands get that stimulate tear production.

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