Can laser resurfacing cause blurred eye vision?

Visual blurring can be related to some sort of eye injury (rare) vs. a poor tear film bathing the surface of the eye (common).  Laser skin resurfacing can cause tightening of the skin and this can cause the lid to pull away from the eye causing in interruption in the tear lake and thereby contributing to dry eye.If this is the case, the ectropions will often improve on their own over the next weeks to months. Until then, lubricate your eye with artificial tears or gels often and you may find that the eye is more comfortable and that it sees better as well. Your best option is to see a specialist in Oculoplastics in your area.I hope this was helpful.

Thank you for your question. It is very unusual for laser skin resurfacing to cause damage to the eyes. This can happen if it was performed improperly or without the correct protection for the corneas. If the laser accidentally hits the retina, loss of some vision can result. Rarely, laser resurfacing can cause excessive tightness of the eyelid skin. This can contribute to poor closure or an eversion of the lids leading to dry eyes with diminished vision. Evaluation by an oculoplastic surgeon can determine your cause of vision loss and treatment options. I hope you find this helpful.

When performing laser resurfacing around the eye, corneal shields are placed on the eyeballs or goggles or wet gauze may be placed over the eye area.  One is very careful when layering eyelids.  Even the operator should be wearing eye protection.  I would be surprised if you had a direct injury with the laser as many standard precautions are in place. I would follow up closely with your eye doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Depending on the wavelength used during the resurfacing, your eyes are at risk for damage. Fortunately, most lasers used for this are attracted to only water and will cause a burn to the surface of the eye, which should recover.  They usually aren't attracted to the pigment of the iris or retina, which could cause permanent visual loss.  I think that this is related to the surgery and stick with the Ophthalmologist until this heals up. Care eye protection is essential during this procedure and should have been done.

Hi. There are several reasons you may have blurry vision after laser resurfacing. What it sounds like you may have, is dry eye (it can look like the "sandpaper" appearance your ophthalmologist described). This may have nothing to do with your treatment, as you may be predisposed to dry eye for a variety of different reasons. However, it can happen if the laser tightens the eyelids to the point that blinking and/or closing are impaired. It can also occur if there is a resulting eyelid malposition such as an ectropion (eyelid turning out). Dry eye can also occasionally occur during the treatment itself if eyes are not covered or lubricated. Another less common reason, is toxic injury to the cornea if the topical anesthetic designed for the skin gets on the surface of the eye and is not quickly washed away. The good news is that dry eye after laser resurfacing will usually resolve with conservative measures such as lubricating eye drops and gels and time. Tear duct plugs (usually the temporary type) can also help. The eyelids will usually loosen up over time. If time passes and the eyelids are not closing or if an ectropion is present, then I would follow up with your treating physician for management. A consultation with an oculoplastic surgeon would likely help as well. Hope this helps. Best regards. Ira Vidor, M.D.