Laser Lasik surgery often results in Lasik dry eyes. It’s nothing serious and it only last for a few days, but it is one of the side effects of the surgery
Think about it. The Lasik surgeon uses the laser to slice a tiny hinged corneal flap on the surface of your eye. That is to allow the laser to reshape the inner corneal surface of your eye. After the procedure the flap must heal and re-bonding with the surface of the cornea. During the first day or two the laser surgery leaves the eye feeling dry and slightly scratchy.
Don’t worry about that flap. It is quickly situated comfortably back against the cornea, where it should be. Your eyes are able to heal themselves and that is exactly what will be taking place after laser Lasik surgery. Now all you have to do is to protect your eyes and let the healing take place.
Complete healing of the corneal flap may take up to 24 months. During those months healing should not be a concern and it should not cause a vision problem. Your vision will be corrected far before that, so you only concern will be to stick with you follow up visits to your Lasik surgeon.
Many doctors want your first follow up appointment to be within 24-hours of your surgery. After Lasik vision surgery your healing process must be monitored and any adjustments be made during the post-op period.
Eye drops during your post-op program will avoid the dry eye after Lasik discomfort that is common. You will be applying the eye drops for the first two-to-four weeks after your procedure. The drops will help alleviate the “Lasik and dry eye” discomfort many experience during the initial healing period.
Pain is rare with the procedure. Lasik surgery patients control any slight discomfort with Tylenol or Advil. Anything containing aspirin is not advised.
Many find that an ice pack lightly held to the treated eye for twenty minutes is very soothing. If you apply the ice for less than 20 minutes you may not feel the beneficial effects. On the other hand if you leave the ice on longer than 20 minutes it can become more irritating than soothing.
The ice pack should be wrapped in a clean towel before you apply it. Applying the ice pack for 20 minutes three or four times a day for the first two days can provide all the relief needed. Consult your doctor before using the ice pack, of course.
If you have used the eye drops suggested by your doctor and your eyes still feel dry, try wearing sunglasses. Strange as it sounds, light sensitivity can be confused with dry eyes – it feels very similar.
Your risk of complications after having Lasik surgery depends upon a number of factors. One is the state of your pre-operative vision. The worse your eyes were before the surgery the greater chance you may require touch-up surgery.
Touch-up surgery is not highly unusual and is usually included in the cost of the Lasik treatment program. It doesn’t happen often, but you must be prepared if your surgeon says it will be necessary.
In most cases the dramatic vision improvement with Lasik laser surgery is certainly worth any slight discomfort you may experience. Lasik and dry eyes is the most common complaint and that is short lived. Just be sensible and protect your eyes after Lasik surgery and enjoy your improved vision.
