Can You Have LASIK If You Have Dry Eyes?

Longing to ditch your glasses or contact lenses but worried your dry eyes might make you an unsuitable candidate for laser eye surgery? We've got good news for you! Technological advancements in laser eye surgery procedures mean that even if you're a dry eye sufferer, you might still be able to enjoy the benefits of LASIK.

As Auckland’s trusted laser eye surgery clinic, we have a knack for helping patients find the right vision correction solution. Even when dry eyes are part of the equation! 

In this article, we explain dry eye syndrome and answer the big question of whether LASIK is an option. We also cover pre-procedure treatments and post-LASIK care for dry eyes.

2. What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a condition that results in your eyes not producing enough tears. Sometimes, your eyes might produce enough tears, but they simply evaporate too fast. Tears lubricate your eyes and keep them healthy, so when there's a shortage of them, it can create an uncomfortable situation.

There are a few reasons you can develop dry eyes. These can include aging, prolonged screen time, wearing contact lenses, and taking certain medications. They can also include environmental factors like wind or dry air, and underlying health conditions. 

Do you often have red eyes, blurry vision, and experience light sensitivity? Or do your eyes frequently sting, burn, or have a gritty feeling? If so, you may have dry syndrome.

3. Can You Have LASIK If You Have Dry Eyes?

Yes, in a lot of cases, you can still undergo the LASIK procedure if you have dry eyes. The main thing that affects your candidacy for this form of laser vision correction is how severe your dry eyes are and how well we can manage the condition leading up to your surgery.

Laser vision correction techniques like LASIK have become safer and more effective, even for those who struggle with dry eyes. This is mostly thanks to modern technology. Advanced tools, such as the femtosecond laser and excimer laser, provide exceptional levels of precision. They also reduce the level of interference with the natural function of your eye.

If you have dry eyes, having a thorough consultation is the only way to know for sure if you can undergo LASIK. However, you can take comfort in knowing that it's certainly not impossible!

4. Why Dry Eyes Can Be a Concern for LASIK

Below, you can find some of the reasons why dry eyes can be a concern when undergoing refractive surgery:

• Impact on Corneal Health: During LASIK surgery, your eye surgeon will reshape your cornea. This can temporarily interfere with your tear production. As a result of this disruption, your dry eye symptoms may become more noticable during the recovery process.
  
  
• Increased Discomfort: If you suffer from dry eyes prior to having LASIK, you may experience more discomfort or slightly blurry vision while your eyes heal. The healing process itself may also take a little longer.
  
  
• Risk of Complications: If you suffer from severely dry eyes, it can impact the quality of vision and eye comfort after your LASIK procedure. This can have an effect on the overall outcome of your vision correction.

5. Treating Dry Eyes Before LASIK Surgery

Effective management of dry eyes leading up to your LASIK surgery can enhance the safety, comfort, and outcome of your procedure. It can also contribute toward a more seamless recovery period. Here, you can find some of the common pre-treatment options for LASIK patients with dry eyes:

• Artificial Tears: regularly using special lubricating eye drops
• Prescription Eye Drops: taking anti-inflammatory medications to help boost tear production
• Punctal Plugs: wearing tiny inserts that work as tear drainage plugs, helping eyes stay moist for longer
• Omega-3 Supplements: using natural remedies to support overall eye health

6. What to Expect During LASIK if You Have Dry Eyes

During your LASIK eye surgery, your eye surgeon will take special care to ensure they protect your corneal health throughout the process. Otherwise, the procedure will follow the same basic principle as for other patients: speedy, precise, and virtually pain free.

7. Post-LASIK Care for Dry Eyes

Once your LASIK procedure is complete, it's important that you take proper care of your eyes to promote a smooth recovery and reduce dry eye symptoms. Your eye surgeon will let you know exactly what you have to do, but here's a basic idea of what your recovery period will involve:

• Your eye surgeon will prescribe lubricating eye drops. You must use them consistently to keep your eyes moist and comfortable and to support your healing process.
• To ease eye dryness, limit screen time, be sure to stay hydrated, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your environment.
• Attend all your scheduled follow-up appointments with your eye surgeon so they can monitor your healing and adjust your post-treatment care plan if necessary.

Reputable LASIK Eye Surgery NZ

Dry eyes don’t automatically make you unsuitable to undergo laser surgery like LASIK. With the right assessment, pre-treatment, and post laser procedure care, there's a high chance you can still achieve an awesome result and say goodbye to your glasses or contact lenses!

To help you, we provide a free laser suitability assessment at re:vision which can determine if laser eye surgery is right for you. And if it isn't - don't panic! There are several other solutions. For instance, PRK laser eye surgery or ICL lens replacement. We also offer a range of cataract surgery options, making us your one-stop-vision correction shop in Auckland. 

To learn more about your laser eye surgery cost and take the first step toward ditching your glasses, book your consultation today!

Book your free LASIK consultation