When it comes to the best eye surgery, LASIK tops the list. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses, popularly known as LASIK is a surgery that alters the shape of your cornea to cure refractive eye disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
It is a simple outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour to accomplish the desired results. However, while the procedure is quick, the recuperation period is lengthy and can cause a variety of symptoms, including dry eyes or dry eye syndrome.
What exactly is Dry Eye Disorder?
Dry eye syndrome is a typical disorder that occurs when your tears are unable to lubricate your eyes adequately. It may happen because your tears are insufficient, unstable, or of low quality. Inflammation and surface damage to the eye are the expected outcomes.
Dry eyes can be exceedingly irritating and painful. If you have dry eyes, you may experience a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes. A dry eye ailment can arise in specific situations, such as when traveling by plane or in an air-conditioned environment, when biking, or after spending a long period of time staring at a computer screen. Even after LASIK and other eye surgeries, you may experience Dry Eye Syndrome.
Yes, dry eyes are typical after LASIK surgery. Approximately half of those who get LASIK have dry eyes within a week of their treatment. In one month, this percentage drops to 40%, and in six months, it drops to 20% respectively. People who have undergone LASIK and suffered dry eyes claim that the syndrome lasts for 6 – 12 months at the most.
So, if you’re planning to opt for LASIK, but are worried about dry eye syndrome, then read this post. It’s for you!
LASIK is a popular operation for specs removal. The Lasik operation cost in India is affordable too compared to other laser procedures. Despite the possibility that some patients could have dry eyes as a result of the procedure, many people opt to undergo this treatment. According to research, people who have had LASIK surgery have expressed satisfaction with the way the procedure has restored their eyesight.
What is the reason for dry eyes after Lasik surgery?
In the event that you had dry eyes prior to LASIK, the condition may potentially deteriorate following the treatment.
When your doctor constructs the flap to correct your eyesight, the operation modifies or cuts the nerves in the cornea, resulting in blurred vision. As a result, your eyes become less sensitive, and they may not produce enough moisturizing tears to keep you comfortable while you heal. Because of the irritation and discomfort caused by the process, the surface of your eye becomes dry and painful, causing your eyes to feel dry.
Another reason for dry eyes post Lasik is the inability of the eyes to detect the requirement for moisture during the healing process. Post Lasik surgery in Delhi, your eyes may produce fewer tears, causing dry eyes.
Patients undergoing LASIK should have their eyes checked for dryness. The Lasik surgery specialists will examine you for signs and symptoms of dry eyes before he performs laser eye surgery. In case you already have dry eyes, your eye specialist will first assess just how much dryness is affecting your eyes. He will take samples of your tears and evaluate the amount of moisture in them. Accordingly, your surgeon will decide the course of action for you.
How long does dry eye last after having LASIK surgery performed?
More often than not, LASIK patients who experience dry eyes following the procedure find their condition improving within a few weeks or months. However, a small percentage of people may experience the condition for quite some time, like a year or so.
As your eye heals and begins to produce more tears for lubrication, your symptoms will gradually lessen as time passes. So, if you’re worried about the condition, don’t be! There are measures that you can take to prevent or minimize the condition.
Top 8 Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes Post Lasik Eye Surgery
Here are the best tips to follow to prevent dry eyes after Lasik Eye Surgery:
1. Stay Hydrated
As said earlier, dry eye is a disorder in which your eyes create insufficient tears. Drinking plenty of fluids (water and juices) will keep your body hydrated, which will help to lubricate your eyes. Know that hydration not only aids in the function of your organs but also aids in the function of your eyes. Drinking water or juices can help to prevent eye strain and provide some relief from dry eyes, among other benefits.
2. Take Proper Rest
You might have heard that LASIK surgery is accomplished in a few hours, which is true absolutely. But it’s no magic! Your eyes need to be well-rested post Lasik surgery so as to heal faster. Therefore, it is crucial to take enough rest to allow your eyes to heal. The more you rest, the faster your eyes will heal. Healing will eliminate dry eye syndrome to a great extent.
3. Keep Your Eyes Protected
This is imperative. Your surgeon will advise you not to expose your eyes to the direct sun or dust immediately after the surgery. He/she will provide you with an eye shield to wear for a few days. Make sure you wear your eye shield as guided by your surgeon. Not only will it promote the healing process, but also prevent dry eye syndrome.
4. Avoid Exercise
Exercise and high-impact activities should be avoided in the weeks following LASIK surgery to allow your body to recuperate properly.
5. Minimize Screen Time
Avoid spending too much time in front of a screen. The amount of tears (lubrication) produced by our eyes drop when we gaze at the computer, phone, or television screens for a long time. This, in turn, cause irritation leading to dry eye syndrome. Hence, screen time should be minimized following the
LASIK eye surgery.
6. Use Eye Drops/Artificial Tears
Your surgeon will certainly prescribe eye drops or artificial tears in order to prevent dry eyes. Make sure you use those drops or artificial tears as prescribed by your doctor.
More often than not, doctors advise using these drops after every two hours or at least six times a day. If you require them on a more frequent basis, consult your doctor about prescription treatments. Aside from that, there are over-the-counter eye gels or ointments available to prevent the condition. These gels are thicker than eye drops and are typically administered to the inner lower lash line just before night.
7. Avoid Extreme Weather Conditions
Harsh weather conditions, such as extreme wind, co
ld, and heat, can lead to dry eye syndrome. Hence, it is critical that you avoid going out during such weather. And if at all it is important to go out, follow the tips below:
Wear sunglasses while going out during the daytime. Sunglasses can help to keep the wind at bay and shield your eyes from glare and ultraviolet radiation.
Wear a hat during the daytime. A hat with a visor might also be beneficial in protecting your eyes.
Install an indoor humidifier. Even the temperature at your home can impact your eyes negatively. Hence, it is recommended to install an indoor humidifier during the winter.
8. Try Warm Compress
Use a warm, damp compress to prevent dry eye syndrome after Lasik Eye Surgery. Here is what you shall do:
Fill warm water in a bowl. Make sure the water is hot to the touch but not scorching.
Now take a clean towel or cotton washcloth, soak it in hot water for a few minutes.
Squeeze out the excess water
Now fold the towel until it is tiny enough to fit over your eyes
Lastly, place the folded towel on your eyes. Keep your eyes closed
Just do this on both eyes for the best results
A warm compress will aid in the production of much-needed moisture in your eyes, in addition to relieving inflammation and swelling.
9. Eat Healthy
Last but not least, eat healthy food. It goes without saying that eating a healthy diet after Lasik eye surgery will help your eyes heal faster. Eat foods that are good for your eyes, such as fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils. All of these food items are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is good for your eyes. These foods will enhance intraocular drainage by increasing the flow of water into the eye.
Aside from these, eat water-rich foods, such as fruits (watermelon, muskmelon, and cucumber), raw vegetables, soups, fruit/vegetable juices, and milk. All of these foods have a high amount of natural water that helps prevent dry eyes.
Summing it up…
So, these are the top 8 tips you must follow to prevent dry eyes after Lasik Eye Surgery. Aside from these, it is critical to choose a reputable eye surgeon for your Lasik surgery in Delhi.