A frequent side effect of LASIK is dry eyes. Envision Laser Centers can aggressively treat dry eyes.

The most common side effect after LASIK is temporary dry eyes which can affect comfort and vision shortly after LASIK. Punctal plugs are the easiest way to avoid dryness issues.

Most studies suggest that between 75-80% of LASIK patients have some form of dryness after surgery that can last from weeks to months. Dry eyes may affect your vision after surgery and may increase your risk of regression after surgery. Your eyes need lubrication from tears to help them heal after surgery. There are two ways to combat this dryness.

One way is to use preservative free artificial tears hourly for two weeks following surgery and to use them as needed in most cases until three months post-operatively. In some cases it may be as long as a year, especially in older individuals or individuals with pre-existing dry eye conditions (patients with an existing severe dry eye condition should not undergo LASIK until the condition is remedied).

The second way is by inserting very small dissolvable punctal plugs into your tear ducts. The tears that individuals produce escape by evaporating or draining through your tear ducts (which is why when you cry your nose runs). By preventing your tears from draining, they remain on your eye with their natural antibiotics to aid in healing. You cannot see or feel these plugs and in about three months they dissolve and your tear ducts are back to normal.

There is nothing wrong with using artificial tears, but you must be regimented enough to use them hourly. Artificial tears must be preservative free (preservatives can be toxic in high doses) for the first 30 days. The use of these tears can be almost as costly as having punctal plugs inserted.

LASIK evolves with technology and punctal plugs have been shown to decrease regression after surgery, reduce vision fluctuation, increase comfort and minimize the possibility of flap slippage after surgery. Our doctors will be more than happy to discuss each individual’s case independently, because some people may be more susceptible to dryness after surgery than others.

Envision Laser Centers recommend punctal plug insertion on the day of your surgery rather than insertion after dryness is present. It is much easier to keep the cornea moist than to rehydrate a dry cornea (much like it is easier to keep a swimming pool full of water than it is to fill the pool when it is empty). By inserting punctal plugs, you are helping to ensure adequate tear film to promote proper healing.

LASIK SECRET #7

The most common complaint after LASIK is poor vision due to temporary LASIK induced dryness. LASIK evolves with technology and punctal plugs have been shown to decrease regression after surgery, reduce vision fluctuation, increase comfort and minimize the possibility of flap slippage after surgery.

LASIK SECRET #8

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