Dry eye is a condition resulting from LASIK surgery. It is a common condition during the recovery period. However, it can also occur before the surgery in what is called induced dry eyes. If you are thinking about having a LASIK procedure, here are important facts about dry eyes that you should know.
What is Dry Eye?
Our eyes need to be always covered with our natural tears. The tears keep the eye healthy and well lubricated. The eyes produce tears continuously and steadily under normal conditions. When the eye is irritated or when we feel strong emotion, the eyes produce large amounts of tears either to wash away the cause of irritation or in response to our feelings. Dry eyes occur when the eyes fail to produce a sufficient amount of tears to keep the eye healthy and well lubricated.
Dry eyes are manifest by the following symptoms:
- Stinging sensation in the eyes
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Itchiness
- Gritty sensation in the eyes
- Excessive mucus in the eyes
- Blurry vision
- Intolerance to smoke and wind
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Excessive tearing
What is Dry Eye from LASIK?
Dry eyes are one of the LASIK side effects. Dry eyes occur after LASIK surgery because, after surgery, the corneal nerves that signal the lacrimal gland to produce tears is temporarily damaged. The lacrimal gland, therefore, fails to produce enough tears to keep the eye lubricated. In shaping the cornea, damage to corneal nerves occurs when the surgeon creates the flap in which the laser is applied. The damage is only temporary and is part of the LASIK surgery process. When dry eyes occur, the patient will feel a gritty sensation in the eye. Thus, the doctor will prescribe moisturizing drops to keep the eye lubricated. Dry eyes can last up to several weeks after surgery. This is normal and will eventually go away once the eyes have fully healed.
Eyes need a sufficient amount of tears or tear film, the collection of tears that cover the eyes; more so when it comes to LASIK eye surgery because the tear film protects the eye from infection. The tear film also creates a smooth surface which is an important part of having a clear vision. Insufficient tear film can lead to inaccurate measurement which can ultimately affect the result of the surgery.
Before undergoing the procedure, the doctor will evaluate the tear film in your eyes. If you have insufficient tear film, the doctor may insert punctual plugs into your tear ducts so that your eye will retain more tears. The doctor may also prescribe medication to help the eyes produce more tears.
If you are thinking of having a LASIK surgery you can go to Houston LASIK & Eye, one of the leading LASIK or laser eye surgery centers in Houston, Texas. They can help you decide if LASIK is the right procedure for you.
Houston LASIK & Eye leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical directory introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston LASIK & Eye, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
References:
http://www.eyehealthweb.com/lasik-dry-eyes/
http://www.seewithlasik.com/docs/lasik-dry-eyes.html
