What should I do next for severe dry eyes after LASIK?

Doctor's Answer

Dry eye is indeed one of the common post-LASIK side effects. For the vast majority of patients, the dryness does tend to taper off and get better and better months after the procedure.

However, it seems like you are still experiencing rather severe symptoms of dryness despite being diligent in using your lubricating eyedrops and gel.

Apart from monitoring your symptoms and continuing the usage of your eyedrops and gel, you may also want to assess your environment and work habits. Long hours of visual tasks exacerbates the symptoms of dry eye as one tends to blink less when concentrating on a visual task, for example, reading a book, using the computer etc.

When engaging in such visual activities, be sure to increase the frequency of your eye lubricants and gel.

You may also consider using the gel in the daytime and opting for an ointment for nighttime use to ensure your eyes stay well moisturised throughout your visual tasks and throughout the night.

However, if your situation does not improve months after your LASIK procedure, you may want to return to your surgeon to find out the actual cause of your dryness as it may or may not a direct result of the LASIK procedure. Dryness can be the result of a whole myriad of eye conditions such as inflammatory diseases of the tear gland, eyelids and ocular surface. Many of which can be treated and thus would benefit by identifying them.

Dr David Chan

Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon

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