Dry Eye Causing Light Sensitivity After Lasik?

There is a condition called “decayed light hypersensitivity” and can occur 3-6 weeks post-operatively.  It is treated successfully with topical steroid eye drops.  Call your surgeon.

While it is true that dryness can cause both light sensitivity and disturbances of vision such as glare, it is possible that you have some other problem.  Sometimes, especially after "all laser" LASIK, patients can experience something known as TLS or transient light sensitivity.  This causes severe sensitivity to light and is helped with certain medications almost immediately.  It is important to know whether your symptoms are simply due to dryness or something else so that they can be best treated for your successful recovery.

Dry eyes may cause symptoms of light sensitivity; however, other conditions as well can also be associated with this symptom.  I would recommend that you seek the care of your eyeMD and obtain treatment.  Be followed for the progression and improvement following therapy for the dryness, if present.  Usually, this will improve over time with therapy.  Some dry eye treatments include the use of nonpreserved eye drops, Restasis eye drops,  intake of more water, oral administration of omega 3 and flax seed oil, use of lubricating ointments and the insertion of punctal plugs to close the tear ducts temporarily and increase the tears.  Your doctor should guide you through this treatment. Some people respond quickly and others more slowly but improvement usually occurs in most people.