Does LASIK Increase Your Risk of Developing Dry Eyes?
September 3, 2024
If you’re considering vision correction, you’ve probably heard about the common and safe procedure called LASIK, which can correct refractive errors and provide you with greater visual freedom. There are several advantages to choosing laser vision correction.
Many patients who choose LASIK report that they are very happy with the results of the procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, it's important to be aware of potential side effects.
One concern that some people have about LASIK is its potential impact on eye moisture. Keep reading to learn more about LASIK and whether or not it may increase your risk of developing dry eyes!
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It is a very popular elective vision procedure for adults with relatively healthy eyes.
During the LASIK procedure, a laser is used to correct vision by reshaping the inner layers of the cornea, which is the round dome at the front of the eye. The reshaping allows light entering the eye to focus correctly on the retina.
LASIK most often results in patients being able to significantly reduce their dependence on visual aids after the procedure. To understand whether or not LASIK may be right for you, you will need to schedule a LASIK consultation with your eye doctor at Arlington Eye Center.
There are many factors that can affect someone's candidacy for LASIK. Some conditions, for example, including glaucoma or cataracts, may prevent someone from being able to get LASIK surgery.
Why Should I Consider a Vision Correction Procedure?
As an adult, your lifestyle and habits may make vision correction a better option for you than wearing glasses or contact lenses. When you first get an eye prescription, your eyes are usually growing and changing, so glasses or contact lenses are your only options.
After a LASIK procedure, most people are able to reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. It remains one of the most popular elective surgeries in the country due to its efficacy and safety.
Is LASIK a Good Choice for an Active Lifestyle?
An active lifestyle is one of the best reasons to consider vision correction. Whether you’re an avid skier or pickleball player, having sharper vision without having to wear glasses or contact lenses can lead to greater enjoyment.
For people who play team sports, it can be cumbersome to wear glasses or carry your glasses case or contact lens equipment with you to the gym or playing field. Contact lenses can also become irritated during sports, can become dislodged, and get lost, which impedes your ability to participate in regular exercise and other activities.
Is LASIK Better Than Wearing Contact Lenses?
There are many brands and styles of contact lenses, but even disposable lenses can leave eyes irritated. Wearing contacts all day can make your eyes red, itchy, and uncomfortable, especially if you are working or studying on a screen all day.
For people who enjoy the outdoors, LASIK surgery means they can have the freedom of having corrected vision and not worry about wearing contact lenses anymore. While contact lenses can be worn during many sports, they can also become dislodged during vigorous activity or irritated while swimming in the pool or ocean.
After LASIK surgery, most patients are able to reduce their dependence on contact lenses, and can enjoy sports and other activities without the worry and hassle of wearing visual aids.
What Happens During LASIK?
Once you and your doctor have agreed that LASIK is a good option for you, you will come to your eye doctor’s office for the procedure. After numbing your eyes, your LASIK surgeon will use a laser to create a flap in the cornea.
Then, using a different laser, the LASIK surgeon will reshape your cornea to improve your vision. The reshaping of the cornea is often completed in less than a minute.
After this, the LASIK surgeon will reposition the flap, which will heal naturally during your recovery.
What Happens After LASIK?
After the procedure, most patients report improved vision right away. However, some people won't notice the full results of the procedure until their eyes completely heal over the coming weeks.
Though you cannot drive on the day of the procedure, most people are cleared to drive by their eye doctor within a couple of days of the procedure. Your eye doctor may recommend taking a few days off after the procedure to rest afterwards, before returning to work.
You will also need to follow a list of instructions carefully during your recovery to avoid any potential complications.
Are There Any Side Effects After LASIK?
Some LASIK patients will experience symptoms of dry eyes after the procedure. This is often a temporary side effect that is typically treated with lubricating drops.
While LASIK is considered a safe and effective procedure, dry eyes can last for up to a few days or weeks after the procedure. These symptoms are usually short-lived and go away as your eyes continue to heal.
In rare cases, dry eye symptoms may continue past this mark, causing you to require eye drops for a longer period of time. If you are concerned about experiencing dry eye after LASIK, talk with your eye doctor at Arlington Eye Center.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
The most common dry eye symptoms following a LASIK procedure include:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Irritation
- Eye fatigue
- Blurred vision
- The sensation that you have something in your eye
If you experience dry eye symptoms after LASIK, talk to your eye doctor about ways to manage these symptoms as your eyes heal.
How Do I Know if LASIK is Right For Me?
The first step in deciding if LASIK is the best vision correction procedure for you is to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at Arlington Eye Center. If you are a good candidate, your eye doctor will explain the procedure and what to expect during and after LASIK surgery.
Do you want to learn more about LASIK and LASIK recovery? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Arlington Eye Center in Arlington, VA, today!