What are My Chances of Getting Dry Eye After LASIK?
March 11th, 2025
While LASIK has brought millions of patients clearer vision and freedom from visual aids, it can have bothersome side effects. Dry eye is one of the more common side effects after the procedure, but for most people, it is temporary and improves within a few months as the eye heals.
Understanding the risk factors for dry eye after LASIK can help you be more prepared and know when to seek care from your eye doctor. Keep reading to learn more about your chances of getting dry eye after LASIK.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a popular vision correction procedure that can help reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts. During LASIK, your ophthalmologist uses a femtosecond laser to create a flap on the surface of the cornea.
This flap is used to access tissue inside the cornea, which is reshaped with an excimer laser to correct common refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Once the corneal tissue has been reshaped, the flap is placed back over your eye.
The incision that created the flap is self-sealing and will heal naturally. Most patients experience crisper, clearer vision after just one day of recovery and can return to normal activities like working and driving.
How Does LASIK Cause Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a common side effect of LASIK because the creation of the corneal flap interferes with the corneal nerves responsible for tear production. This can reduce the eye’s ability to detect eye dryness and lessen tear production.
Most cases of dry eye after LASIK are temporary and clear up within three to six months after the procedure as the corneal nerves heal. The condition can easily be treated with over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricating eye drops.
Who Is at Risk for Dry Eye After LASIK?
Not everyone develops dry eye after LASIK. However, certain factors can increase your risk of developing this side effect:
Existing Dry Eye
If you already experience dry eye symptoms before surgery, you may be more likely to have more severe or prolonged symptoms after LASIK. This is why patients with severe dry eye are often not considered good candidates for LASIK.
Age
Older individuals naturally have reduced tear production, which can increase the risk of post-LASIK dry eye.
Wearing Contact Lenses
Long-term contact lens use can affect the corneal surface and tear film, potentially increasing dry eye risk after LASIK.
Medical Conditions
Certain underlying medical conditions, like diabetes, can affect healing and increase dry eye risk.
Medications
Some medications can reduce tear production, making dry eye more likely after surgery.
What Are the Signs of Dry Eye After LASIK?
Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye can help you seek care when it’s needed. Some common symptoms include:
- Burning or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Feeling like something is in your eye
If you experience these symptoms after LASIK, discussing them with your eye doctor at Laser Eye Center can help determine the best treatment approach.
Can I Get LASIK if I Have Dry Eye?
If you have already been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome, you may not be a good candidate for LASIK. Because LASIK can cause dry eye, it can significantly worsen existing dry eye and compromise overall eye health.
Undergoing LASIK if you have dry eye syndrome can lead to severe dryness, blurry vision, and delayed healing. It can also increase the risk of complications like inflammation and infection, which could compromise the outcome of LASIK.
Luckily, there are many effective treatments for dry eye, and if you get your condition under control, you may still qualify for LASIK.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Eye Health After LASIK?
While not all cases of dry eye after LASIK can be prevented, you can take steps to maintain your eye health and potentially reduce symptoms:
- Use prescribed or recommended lubricating eye drops
- Stay well-hydrated
- Take breaks from digital screens
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Wear sunglasses outdoors
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Your eye doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific risk factors and eye health needs.
Do you want to learn more about your risk of developing dry eye after LASIK? Schedule an appointment at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!
