One of the most advanced and progressive vision correction procedures today is LASIK eye surgery. LASIK provides an opportunity to improve eyesight without the use of a blade. At Advanced Eye Medical, we specialize in laser-based procedures that can improve the state of your eyes without the need to cut into them. It’s one of the top-rated medical procedures across the globe. Dr. Ghosheh ensures it is a relatively pain-free process that corrects your vision in no time at all. One of the most common side effects of LASIK, however, is dry eye. This is a symptom that makes the eyes feel sticky, barren, and without any moisture to protect them. Why does LASIK cause dry eye? Is this a common occurrence? What can be done to remedy this dryness?
LASIK Surgery
Understanding what exactly LASIK is can paint a clearer picture of why dry eye is such a prevalent side effect. The procedure uses either a blade or a laser to cut into your cornea in order to provide the corrective stimulus to improve your vision. So, why does LASIK cause dry eye?
When you undergo LASIK, the cornea can experience some sensitivity loss. This means that certain sensations your cornea may have felt – such as the need for moisture, for example – are no longer sensed. This is what can lead to the development of dry eye.
More so, this can lead to the development of dry eye syndrome. If you have more questions about LASIK, reach out to your Orange County eye surgeon, Dr. Ghosheh.
Dry Eye Syndrome
According to All About Vision, dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye suffers from a lack of moisture or lubrication. The reason for the chronic occurrence is that the cornea no longer senses the need for lubrication, and so none is applied. However, this can lead to a variety of damages and discomforts on the eye’s surface.
Dry eye can sometimes affect the cornea, causing it to be inflamed or irritated. In other cases, it can also affect the conjunctiva, which is the almost-invisible membrane protecting the cornea. It can cause vision problems, as well as discomfort and scratches all over the eye. If the symptoms continue, medical assistance is needed.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Fortunately, our Advanced Eye Medical team can provide solutions to prevent dry eye. And if you’ve already developed this chronic symptom, there are certain treatments and medications that can remedy the situation. Our goal is to provide you with regular moisture as soon as possible.
Some of our most successful dry eye treatments include:
- Eye Lubrication Treatments – Your doctor may prescribe eye drops or lubricating liquid to keep your eyes as moist as possible. This can be prescribed either before or after your LASIK surgery.
- Pain Medication – This is rare, but if you feel more discomfort or pain due to dry eyes, you may be able to take symptom-relieving medication.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – It might be a simple matter of diet. Your doctor will recommend that you take omega-3 fatty acid supplements or consume foods that have it in high amounts, such as fish.
We also recommend that you drink a lot of water before and after your LASIK procedure. This can help with the natural lubrication process in the event that your tear ducts are dry due to lack of corneal sensation.
Most importantly, know that dry eye is typically a temporary condition. Most patients experience it after LASIK, but it can go away after a short period of time. If the problem persists, you may need to have a more in-depth conversation with your doctor.
LASIK in Orange County
If you have been asking yourself, “Why does LASIK cause dry eye?”, please reach out to us online. Dr. Ghosheh and the Advanced Eye Medical crew are equipped with the most progressive insights and resources available to you. We can answer all of your questions about the health of your eyes. Please feel free to call our front desk at (866) 997-2020 for a free LASIK consultation!