Why are eyedrops important after LASIK?

Doctor's Answers 2

LASIK, like any other operation, requires a healing response to the surgical effects for full recovery. This may include an inflammatory reaction. Besides this, as there is a disturbance to the surface of the eye, there is a small risk of infection.

As such, it is routine practice to prescribe eyedrops like steroid drops (to control inflammation) and antibiotic drops after LASIK. Usually, these medicated drops are only used for about 1 week after LASIK as recovery is typically very quick.

After LASIK, eyes often feel drier for a variable period of a few weeks to a few months, although in some patients this can go on for a longer period of time. As such, LASIK patients are also asked to use artificial tears after surgery, for comfort as well as to maintain good vision.

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Dr E-Shawn Goh

Ophthalmologist

Several eye drops are administered after routine Lasik surgery including

  • Anti-infective agents - broad-spectrum antibiotics including a topical fluoroquinolone to minimise the risk of infective complications
  • Anti-inflammatory agents including topical steroids minimise post-operative inflammation and aid in the rapid return to normal vision.
  • Preservative-free lubricants help with the symptoms of dry eyes commonly experienced by patients after Lasik

Similar Questions

What factors should I consider in deciding whether Punctal Plugs are the right treatment for my dry eyes after LASIK?

Punctal plugs are very effective for treating dry eyes that occur during waking hours, whether or not the situation is associated with LASIK. They help to reduce the need for eyedrops, so are very useful for people who have to use artificial tears very frequently eg instead of having to use the eyedrops every 2-3 hourly, sometimes after the plugs are placed, the eyedrops might only be needed every 4-6 hourly. As long as there is no active eye inflammation (eg persistent eye redness/discharge), punctal plugs can help anyone with moderate dry eyes requiring frequent eyedrop instillation.

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Answered By

Human

Is TransPRK more suitable for me than LASIK if I have glaucoma?

A main concern for glaucoma patients undergoing other laser vision correction procedures like LASIK or ReLEx SMILE is the use of the suction ring intra-operatively, which will cause a sustained increased eye pressure for a minute and this may cause irreversible damage to the already damaged optic nerve. However with TransPRK, there is no suction ring device applied to your eyes. If your glaucoma is mild to moderate and is well-controlled with medications, you should be suitable for the TransPRK procedure even if you have glaucoma.

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Answered By

Dr Tony Ho

Ophthalmologist

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