Dry eyes can be a major obstacle to undergoing LASIK surgery. Before the procedure, it is important to take steps to ensure that your dry eye is under control. This may include taking linseed oil or fish oil several weeks before surgery, using lubricating eye drops, using stopplugs to increase eye moisture, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids. During the LASIK procedure, some nerves in the cornea are cut, which can delay or stop tear production.
If this were to happen, it could worsen a case of dry eye. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your dry eye is under control before undergoing LASIK surgery. The good news is that there are treatments available for dry eye that may allow you to proceed with the surgery. These treatments include eye drops, ointments, prescription medications, tip plugs, and scleral contact lenses.
It is also important to mention any dry eye symptoms to your doctor at the follow-up appointment after the surgery. Women over 50 years of age are statistically at greater risk of suffering from dry eyes after LASIK surgery. Ophthalmologists can evaluate dry eyes by looking at the surface of a patient's eye and eyelids and watching them blink. During LASIK, the eye doctor creates a flap in the cornea, which can decrease corneal sensitivity and cause fewer tears to be produced in the eye and less blinking, which can cause more dry eyes. It is important to note that dry eye is a side effect of LASIK surgery and can make you a poor candidate for this medical intervention.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that your dry eye is under control before undergoing LASIK surgery.
