Dealing With Dry Eyes After LASIK Surgery

Have you ever experienced dry eyes that were so unbearable no amount of eye drops could seem to fix the problem? Usually when our eyes reach the point of extreme dryness, the best option is to wait for your tears to take care of the dryness. However, although many people have tear ducts that work properly, some people suffer from eye dryness constantly and they have to rely on special drops in order to maintain moisture in their eyes.

Post surgery, just about all LASIK surgery patients experience dry eyes, and many patients experience dryness for up to six months after the surgery is over. This occurs because the corneal nerves are temporarily damaged because of the flap that the surgeon creates in order to correct the patient's vision.

It is also common for patients to experience extreme dryness up to a year after surgery. While this is not an extremely common occurrence, it is still a risk that LASIK patients should be aware of. While dry eyes after LASIK isn't necessarily a dangerous condition, it can be extremely uncomfortable and painful to those who are experiencing the discomfort. This sensation can often make sufferers feel as if they constantly have something dry and gritty in their eyes. It can also feel as if a cotton ball is on the eyeball, soaking up all moisture.

The FDA has even warned that those who choose to have the LASIK procedure may be forced to deal with a permanent dry eyes condition. However, many doctors who perform the surgery take great care to assure their patients that this is not a risk they should have to worry about permanently. Because of the discomfort that accompanies this type of condition, some people who have experienced it don't feel as if the risk is worth taking. While their vision was greatly improved, the constant pain caused from dry eyes prevented them from actually enjoying the ability to see more clearly.

Prior to having LASIK, it is important to talk to your doctor and have the risks explained to you. You should not allow your doctor to pressure you into having the surgery because every situation is different, and what works for one person may not always work for another person with a similar vision problem. However, it is important to keep in mind that this type of post surgery discomfort is only temporary for most people, and the only permanent side effect most people experience is improved vision. If you are considering having LASIK and you know someone who has already had LASIK, it is a good idea to talk to them and ask them about their experiences. Although everyone has had different experiences with LASIK surgery, talking to someone that you know about the process can make the procedure seem less intimidating.

One of the best ways to combat extremely dry eyes is to talk to your doctor and get some kind of prescription, artificial tears that will allow your eyes to maintain an acceptable level of moisture. However, it is important to avoid artificial tears that contain high levels of preservatives can actually lead to additional irritation. It is also a good idea to use these types of drops regularly instead waiting for eye irritation to occur. When you use them on a regular basis, you will have a better chance of effectively treating your condition. If you aren't sure if certain artificial tears contain preservatives, keep in mind that the ones without preservatives will usually be more expensive and come in different packaging than that those that do contain preservatives.

Although it may seem unlikely, staying hydrated can actually ease eye dryness that follows LASIK surgery. You don't have to overdo it, but do your best to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Hydrating your body and hydrating your eyes with eye drops can be a great way to improve your condition. It is also a good idea to take vitamins, including omega-3 supplements, as these will help to replenish lost moisture.

Since every type of medical procedure has side effects, it is important that you talk to your doctor and carefully weigh the risks and benefits of LASIK surgery. Although there are many people who have experienced negative side effects from LASIK, many people experience above average results.