I'm waking each morning with red burning eyes after CO2 laser under eyes. Could the burning be my dry eye drops?

Question

2 weeks ago I have a facelift and Co2 laser under my eyes. On about day 8 or 9 I awoke with BURNING red eyes and washed the Aquaphore (vaseline) off and reapplied. I started using my prescription dry eye drops about the same time. I stopped after the CO2 just so I wouldn't drip any onto the lasered area. Could the burning be my dry eye drops? Should I continue to use it and see if the burning eases? The burning usually just happens in the a.m. upon waking.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your opthamologist. It's difficult to answer without knowing what type of eye drops you were prescribed. I also recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care recommendations. We have a specific protocol. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme to give improvement. PDT therapy can calm inflammation. Sun protection is essential. Lasers like Co2 work best in combination with other treatments in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. After Co2, I recommend adding fraxel lasers, microneedling/prp and radiofrequency treatments. Best, Dr. Emer

I'm waking each morning with red burning eyes after CO2 laser under eyes. Could the burning be my dry eye drops?

Answers (1)