Any kind of eye surgery can trigger dry eye symptoms. Even for people who haven’t had dry eyes before, having a procedure like LASIK can take its toll.
It’s normal if your eyes feel a little dried out and irritated as you recover. The good news is that these symptoms are something that you can avoid.
It’s all about preparing and knowing how to care for your eyes as they heal. Keep reading for 4 ways to help avoid dry eyes after LASIK!
1. Consult With Your Doctor Before Surgery
Part of your LASIK consultation should include assessing your tear production. This is to ensure that your recovery isn’t hindered by a preexisting case of dry eye.
It will also show if you have a predisposition for dry eye syndrome. If your doctor discovers you’re high risk for dry eye or already have dry eye syndrome, you may not be a good LASIK candidate.
Your eye doctor may suggest ways to treat dry eye and then re-evaluate. If your doctor finds that your tear production is adequate, you should still take steps to prevent dry eye after LASIK.
Lubrication on the surface of your eye is how your eyes stay healthy and heal from injury. Making sure that your eyes can create enough tears is important if you want to have a safe recovery from LASIK.
2. Consume Plenty of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
One of the best ways to improve your tear quality is through proper nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids can keep your eyes healthy and hydrated.
You can find omega-3 in fish oil or flaxseed oil, but it’s always better to get nutrients from your food if you can. Different kinds of fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts all are rich in omega-3’s.
Eating them regularly is a good way to prevent dry eye symptoms. If you can’t add omega-3’s into your diet, you can take supplements instead.
3. Have Artificial Tears On Hand
Before LASIK surgery, have artificial tears at home to use while you’re recovering. Be sure to ask your doctor for approval as they may want you to use a specific kind of artificial tears.
Often, doctors recommend artificial tears that don’t have any preservatives. Preservatives can be harsh on your eyes while they’re healing after having LASIK.
Using artificial tears when your eyes feel uncomfortable during recovery is a good way to keep them hydrated. Be sure to get clear instructions from your doctor before you use anything besides what they prescribe.
4. Take Medication as Directed
After LASIK surgery, your doctor will ask you to take medicated eye drops. These usually consist of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Taking these drops as prescribed is massively important as it lowers your risk for infection. Not having to deal with infection allows for a smooth recovery.
The drops also help keep your eyes healthy and hydrated. This combination of taking medications and artificial tears should help you avoid symptoms of dry eye after LASIK.
Wondering if LASIK could be the vision correction solution you’ve been waiting for? Schedule your LASIK consultation at New England Eye Center in Boston, MA!
Don’t let your fears of dry eyes stand in your way of clear vision!
