Will my dry eyes at least get better or completely go away after lasik? I am six weeks post op.

Question

I am using drops like refresh liquigel or celluvisc every 20 min. I use restatsis two times a day and use ointment at night. Also, I have my top eyelids plugged. My eyes hurt and burn all the time and are constantly read. The doctor said my tot test came back with 301 which is above the normal rate for an eye. I am currently about 6 weeks post op and sleekly answers desperately. I am only 25 years old and feel depressed over this. Please help.

Brian Davis, MD · Answer

Yes, your dry eyes will likely improve. Most people return to their baseline level of dryness within a year after their surgery. The improvement however is not quick and often requires frequent and consistent artificial tears. I find the treatment of dry eye is often misunderstood by patients. Frequently in my part of the country where the climate is dry I see patients where the cells on the surface of the eye have died. If this is the case then an occasional drop when the eye feels dry will not fix the problem. You have use the drops frequently and consistently enough for your ocular surface to become sufficiently healthy for the cells to regenerate. The treatment is often slow taking numerous months so don't give up and don't be discouraged. It will slowly get better.

Michael K. Tracy, MD · Answer

Dry eyes almost always resolve within six months after LASIK.  The most superficial corneal nerves are cut during the formation of the flap, which then reduces the drive to produce tears.  These nerves generally grow back in six months although cases of permanent dry eyes have been reported after LASIK.  A younger patient like yourself has thicker tear film and hence is less likely to have permanent dry eyes.

Will my dry eyes at least get better or completely go away after lasik? I am six weeks post op.

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Will my dry eyes at least get better or completely go away after lasik? I am six weeks post op.

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Everything you need to know about LASIK

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.