LASIK Patients: Remain on the Lookout for Dry Eye

Why Can LASIK Lead to Dry Eyes?

LASIK and other vision correction procedures involve penetration of the eye surface, which can lead to reduced corneal nerve sensitivity. Dry eye can result if your eyes struggle to sense when they need to produce tear lubrication after the surgery.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Dry eye is a common side effect of LASIK surgery for both people who suffer from the condition before the procedure and those who have never experienced dry eye. However, those with higher degrees of myopia tend to be more at risk for dry eye because these patients require a deeper removal of corneal tissue to reshape the eye. More significantly, for 25% of patients, dry eye symptoms are found to persist for up to six months after surgery. Older age, certain allergies, autoimmune diseases can also contribute to dry eye, so patients who fit these criteria should be extra aware of the potential dry eye side effects of these procedures.

So What Should You Do?

Doctors often recommend that patients attempt to treat current dry eye conditions before undergoing LASIK. In addition, doctors may recommend that even patients with normal tear production use dry eye treatments as a preventative measure before surgery. People with and without dry eye might be encouraged to take fish oil supplements in the weeks before surgery in order to improve the tear film. MedOp carries a product called MaxiTears containing Omega-3 fish oils that is specifically formulated for dry eye sufferers looking to improve their tear production. After surgery, patients might find relief by using EyeEco’s soft flexible goggles called Tranquileyes. The product comes with reusable gel packs to be used within the goggles that provide eye hydrating therapy to soothe and restore dry, tired eyes. The goggles create a humid, warm environment around the eyes to helps stimulate tear production and slow the evaporation of tears. Of course, dry eye relief may be found through a number of options. For ideas on how to combat dry eye, especially during these summer months, check out our blog "Beat Your Dry Eye This Summer". 

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Beat Your Dry Eye This Summer

Regardless of whether you’re spending most of your time outdoors enjoying the nice weather, inside escaping the heat, or travelling, you will likely find that summertime can pose increased challenges for the dry eye sufferer. Become aware of what is causing your symptoms so that you can plan ahead to prevent, or at least treat, your dry eye effectively.

Summer weather draws many of us outside. While some locations are quite humid in the summer, providing dry eye relief, other areas become increasingly dry in the summer. If you live in a dry environment, avoid excessive time outside or take steps to treat your aggravated dry eye. Consider investing in a pair of EyeEco’s Tranquileyes. These soft, flexible goggles create a warm and humid environment around the eyes in order to help stimulate tear production and slow the evaporation of tears.

Even if you do not find yourself in a dry environment, be aware of the drying effects of the sun and wind and be sure to wear proper eye protection outside. In addition to investing in a cool pair of shades, consider the possibility that allergies might be a source of your dry eye. If allergies are a culprit, you need to treat this problem in addition to your dry eye symptoms in order to find lasting relief.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that retreating indoors will solve your problems either. Air conditioning and ceiling fans create low-humidity environments, which irritate dry eye. Summer travelers especially should take note as airplane cabins range from humidity levels of 5-35%. This means the air in an airplane is about as dry as the air during winter in a heated home! Again, EyeEco’s Tranquileyes can help ease your dry eye when lack of humidity is an issue. In addition, consider investing in an air humidifier and turn your ceiling fans off as much as possible (or to a reverse rotation setting so that they will blow air up instead of down and into your eyes).

 

You can also fight dry eye by drinking plenty of water, eating right, and taking proper supplements with vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. MedOp offers a formula called MaxiTears that can help improve your tear quality.

Summer should and can be a fun time, even for the dry eye sufferer. As long as you stay aware of dry eye causes and treat your symptoms in a timely manner, you should be able to find the relief you need in order to enjoy the summer months.

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