by Dry eyes are common after LASIK vision correction surgery.
According to research, almost half of the patients undergoing LASIK have some degree of dry eyes after surgery. The symptoms can sometimes last for weeks, months, or even longer.
For those who haven’t undergone LASIK surgery, dry eyes are constantly an issue. For example, contact lens wearers who feel uncomfortable with dry eyes can consider LASIK.
The cost of Lasik eye surgery can be different, based on practice and region and also on the type of surgery and procedure.
Fortunately, screening for LASIK has led to advances in the detection and treatment of dry eyes. If resolved in counseling, many people who wish to have surgery now have the opportunity to solve their pre-existing dry eye problems through affordable LASIK eye surgery cost.
How does LASIK cause dry eyes?
LASIK causes specific nerves on the cornea to be cut off, which reduces corneal sensitivity to some extent. In response, your eyes may not feel the need to lubricate, causing your body to produce fewer tears which can lead to dry eyes.
Dry eyes after LASIK can cause discomfort and poor visual performance. As a result, many ophthalmologists now recommend using lubricating eye drops or other therapies to help keep your eyes moisturized.
Even if you do not have symptoms of dry eyes, you may receive treatment to increase eye lubrication before performing Lasik. Lasik eye surgery cost gets doubles if both eyes are going through surgery.
In some cases where the dry eye is particularly healthy, it is recommended to use a corrective vision procedure that does not involve the formation of a thin flap on the surface of the eye, such as PRK, rather than LASIK.
Dry eye screening for LASIK patients
The quality and quantity of tears you produce are factors in the development of dry eyes, which may also affect healing after ophthalmic surgery. The procedure which is used for treating your eye determines the total Lasik eye surgery cost in Los Angeles.
As ophthalmologists are now increasingly aware that the best LASIK results may depend on controlling dry eyes, you may need to be screened before surgery.
Various tests for detecting dry eyes include:
Below are multiple tests recommended by doctors for LASIK patients:
Schirmer test.
A very thin strip of paper is placed under the lower eyelid to measure the production of tears.
Tears break up time.
A small amount of dye is placed on the surface of the eye to monitor how the tears are distributed
MMP-9 test.
To do this, your doctor will collect a small drop of tear samples from the inside of your lower eyelid for a painless examination. In just a few minutes, you will know if you have high levels of protein that will allow you to fight inflammatory dry eye after LASIK.
When assessing your suitability for LASIK, your ophthalmologist may also need to determine if you have a potential condition that may cause dry eye.
Treatment of dry eyes before and after LASIK
Even if you do have dry eyes, LASIK surgeons can consider treating you before LASIK or other surgeries rather than excluding it. Also, if your tears are usually normal, your ophthalmologist may treat the dry eye for you before LASIK, just in case.
Before performing vision correction surgery to improve the tear film, it is recommended that you take linseed oil or fish oil for several weeks. You may also need to use a lubricating eye drop before and after LASIK.
Your ophthalmologist may also recommend prescription eye drops, such as Restasis, to reduce inflammation and help your body form more tears.
Other standard dry eye therapies include punctual plugs (which can block the tear drainage channel to increase moisture in the eye) and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids as eye drops.
Prevention of dry eyes after LASIK
When meeting with a LASIK surgeon during the assessment, be sure to mention any eye symptoms that may indicate dry eyes, such as foreign body sensations or eye irritation. Even excessive tearing may suggest that you have dry eye syndrome.
Studies have shown that taking foods that promote eye health, such as omega-3 fatty acid supplements, and eating foods that contain good fats, like salmon, can help maintain a healthy tear film.
Also, make sure you have a friendly discussion with the LASIK surgeon to understand the possibility of dry eye after surgery. Ask the specific steps you can take to recover the tear film and comfort in the case of dry eye until it is completely cured.
Several dry eye symptoms after refractive surgery are usually relatively mild and will disappear in time.
