Most people desire to have clear vision, especially without the aid of glasses or contact lenses, which is one of the reasons LASIK is so popular.
LASIK is an incredibly effective way to rejuvenate your vision, but you may have some questions before committing.
If you have allergies, you might be worried that your symptoms could worsen after LASIK. Keep reading to learn if LASIK makes allergies worse!
Why Does LASIK Cause Dry Eye?
While recovery from LASIK does involve careful management and may cause temporary dry eyes, it does not cause allergies. LASIK has a legendary success rate for improving vision, but it is still a procedure that requires altering the shape of your cornea.
During LASIK, your LASIK surgeon will make incisions in your corneas. The corneas are the clear domes of tissue at the front of your eyes.
They not only create a covering over the front of your eye, but they also focus most of the light that enters your eye. If your cornea’s curvature is too steep or flat, it can cause nearsightedness or farsightedness.
If the surface is not spherical shaped, it can cause astigmatism. Corneas also hold nerves that sense when your eyes need more tears.
Since LASIK surgeons need to create an opening in the cornea to correct the curvature, it may also slightly alter your nerves. It may interrupt the signals that tell your brain that your eyes need lubrication, which can cause dry eye symptoms.
How Can I Limit My Dry Eye After LASIK?
Dry eye from LASIK is usually short-lived. The nerves typically reattach and function properly again as the cornea heals over.
However, it is essential to follow post-op care instructions from your LASIK surgeon carefully while you recover. If you don’t, you could struggle with recovery or even damage your eyes.
Your corneas will be very delicate for a couple of weeks while they heal. By following the instructions carefully, you will reduce your complications and infection risk.
Here are a few tips to help you get through recovery safely:
Don’t Touch
Don’t touch your eyes or face. While it may seem obvious, it can be difficult if you are experiencing dry eye symptoms.
Use Your Eye Drops
It is important to use your eye drops as recommended. If your eyes are not producing enough tears, you will need to help them.
Artificial tears will keep your eyes hydrated and lubricated until your corneas catch up.
Use The Eye Shield
Sleep with eye shields for the first week or so. You may roll over in your sleep or unconsciously rub your eyes.
Eye shields are comfortable and provide a sound barrier for your eyes.
Avoid Using Products
Avoid using makeup, facial lotion, and other facial products for at least two weeks, so you don’t further irritate your eyes.
Don’t Swim
Wait about a month before going swimming. You can still shower during this time, but getting water or shampoo in your eyes can introduce infectious bacteria or cause severe irritation.
You will get a more in-depth guide on what to do and what not to do after LASIK while preparing for the procedure.
Do you want to learn if you are a candidate for LASIK? Schedule a LASIK consultation at Stahl Eyecare Experts in Garden City, NY, to learn more about LASIK!
