Dry Eye Symptoms after LASIK

Since it was first introduced, LASIK surgery has changed the landscape of vision correction, offering individuals the chance to enjoy clear eyesight without needing to rely on eyeglasses or contact lenses, and advancements in the procedure have made LASIK more effective — and accessible — than ever before. Despite these innovations, there is a chance that some patients can have improved vision, but still experience dry eye symptoms following their LASIK surgery.

Dry eye is a common, yet uncomfortable condition where eyes are either not producing enough tears or are producing low-quality tears. Though there are a few potential root causes of dry eye, and they all share similar symptoms, including causing eyes to feel dried out, itchy, scratchy, irritated, and red-looking. While there are aspects of LASIK surgery that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, the team at DLV Vision is at the forefront of addressing the issue with innovative treatments to relieve symptoms and ensure a comfortable recovery after your LASIK eye surgery. Since there are many different underlying issues causing dry eye symptoms after LASIK, DLV Vision uses a range of treatment options. Here are the five main procedures we use to keep your eyes hydrated and vision clear:

LipiFlow®

LipiFlow® is an incredible option that’s used to address meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) when it’s the root cause of dry eye symptoms. Meibomian glands produce the oil component of tears, which keeps them from evaporating too quickly and dehydrating your eyes. DLV Vision offers LipiFlow®, a non-invasive procedure where our professionals apply controlled warmth and pressure to the eyelids, which only feels like a gentle massage. LipiFlow® unclogs blocked glands, restoring their proper function and relieving dry eye symptoms.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

For LASIK patients with dry eye caused by inflammation and MGD, DLV Vision offers intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. IPL treatment targets the blood vessels responsible for inflammation on your eyelid’s surface, delivering ultra-concentrated and controlled bursts of light. This light energy helps reduce inflammation and encourages healthy tear production, all in a quick and pain-free outpatient procedure.

BlephEx®

If a patient’s post-LASIK dry eye is caused by bacterial biofilm, BlephEx® is a revolutionary treatment to not only eliminate their symptoms, but also improve their eye health. BlephEx® uses an ultra-fine microsponge to gently exfoliate and cleanse the eyelids — removing debris, bacteria, and biofilm that can contribute to dry eye symptoms. This painless procedure not only alleviates dry eye discomfort but also promotes healthier tear film production and eyelid hygiene, allowing patients to enjoy improved eye comfort and clarity.