Dry
Eye After Lasik Vision Correction
by
Mark Walters
Laser
Lasik surgery often results in Lasik dry eyes. It's nothing serious
and it only last for a few days, but it is one of the side effects
of the surgery
Think
about it. The Lasik surgeon uses the laser to slice a tiny hinged
corneal flap on the surface of your eye. That is to allow the
laser to reshape the inner corneal surface of your eye. After
the procedure the flap must heal and re-bonding with the surface
of the cornea. During the first day or two the laser surgery leaves
the eye feeling dry and slightly scratchy.
Don't
worry about that flap. It is quickly situated comfortably back
against the cornea, where it should be. Your eyes are able to
heal themselves and that is exactly what will be taking place
after laser Lasik surgery. Now all you have to do is to protect
your eyes and let the healing take place.
Complete
healing of the corneal flap may take up to 24 months. During those
months healing should not be a concern and it should not cause
a vision problem. Your vision will be corrected far before that,
so you only concern will be to stick with you follow up visits
to your Lasik surgeon.
Many
doctors want your first follow up appointment to be within 24-hours
of your surgery. After Lasik vision surgery your healing process
must be monitored and any adjustments be made during the post-op
period.
Eye
drops during your post-op program will avoid the dry eye after
Lasik discomfort that is common. You will be applying the eye
drops for the first two-to-four weeks after your procedure. The
drops will help alleviate thatl "Lasik and dry eye"
discomfort many experience during the initial healing period.
Pain
is rare with the procedure. Lasik surgery patients control any
slight discomfort with Tylenol or Advil. Anything containing aspirin
is not advised.
Many
find that an ice pack lightly held to the treated eye for twenty
minutes is very soothing. If you apply the ice for less than 20
minutes you may not feel the beneficial effects. On the other
hand if you leave the ice on longer than 20 minutes it can become
more irritating than soothing.
The
ice pack should be wrapped in a clean towel before you apply it.
Applying the ice pack for 20 minutes three or four times a day
for the first two days can provide all the relief needed. Consult
your doctor before using the ice pack, of course.
If
you have used the eye drops suggested by your doctor and your
eyes still feel dry, try wearing sunglasses. Strange as it sounds,
light sensitivity can be confused with dry eyes - it feels very
similar.
Your
risk of complications after having Lasik surgery depends upon
a number of factors. One is the state of your pre-operative vision.
The worse your eyes were before the surgery the greater chance
you may require touch-up surgery. Touch-up surgery is not highly
unusual and is usually included in the cost of the Lasik treatment
program. It doesn't happen often, but you must be prepared if
your surgeon says it will be necessary.
In
most cases the dramatic vision improvement with Lasik laser surgery
is certainly worth any slight discomfort you may experience. Lasik
and dry eyes is the most common complaint and that is short lived.
Just be sensible and protect your eyes after Lasik surgery and
enjoy your improved vision.
About the Author
Author
Mark Walters recommends that you learn more about the latest in
vision correction - Wavefront Eye Surgery. |