Is there a way to correct symptoms of "dry-eye" from LASIK surgery?

Question

I had LASIK surgery done approximately 6 months ago and have noticed my right eye is sore, irritated and vision is blurry. I've looked up the symptoms online and they coinside with the condition of "dry-eye". I'm wondering if there is a way to correct the soreness and redness in the eye. I use moisturizing drops all the time and it still doesn't seem to stop. Should I be looking into getting an enhancement on my eye? Will that help with the dry-eye symptoms?

Answer 1

First, what're you looking at for artificial tears? You absolutely NEED to be using single use PRESERVATIVE FREE vials of eye drops, NOT bottled drops.

Second, what environmental modifications have you made? Running a humidifier, redirecting vents, turning off any fans... all make a big difference

Third, glasses can be a major aid in comfort with dry eye. A good pair of foam-lined glasses, like panoptx (sold at dryeyeshop.com) can make a huge difference.

Forth, doctor wise, getting plugs inserted can be incredibly useful for some dry eye patients. It's likely to be covered by your insurance and is very much a good idea. Another 'doctor wise' option is restasis, a prescription drug that for some people (about 10% more than the control group) can produce increased tear production in a matter of months. It's expensive, it can have severe side effects, and it stops working once you stop taking it, but for a fair percentage it can bring about symptom relief.

Your dry eyes may or may not reduce in severity over time. Unfortunately, this is the risk you take, and I cannot tell you how much it breaks my heart to see another lasik 'rare exception' suffering the side effects. Getting another procedure when you have dry is a very bad choice, will likely make your dry eye worse, and no responsible surgeon would do it.

I strongly advise you tap into the knowledge and experience of the folks over at http://www.dryeyezone.com/talk/ and hopefully, you'll find methods that can make your symptoms manageable.

Answer 2

I'd like to add to something mentioned in the second post. I use those single-use vials of prescription eye drops for dry eyes (not related to laser surgery) and I wish they could be designed better. Basically, they're little tubes with twist-off tops that leave a single pointed tip. I find that I'm constantly jabbing my eyes with them. It's gotten to be such a problem that I will pour a small amount of the drops into a separate container and put them in that way.

Answer 3

No, an enhancement will only make it worse.  You may want to see an ophthalmologist who can put a lacrimal plug in your eye.  It is completely painless and stops the tears from flushing.  Think of your eye as a sink.  Tears are made from the upper lid and drain through the lower.  If you stop the drainage then tears will stay for the needed amount of time. And for artificial tear drops they are only affective for 30-60  mins so for them to keep you comfortable you will need to put them in that frequently.