Explaining LASIK Dry EyeSymptoms of LASIK Dry Eye are very similar to Dry Eye Syndrome. Patients often complain of gritty, scratchy eyes, usually worse when visually concentrating on reading or computer. Ironically, one of the more common symptoms is profuse tearing (epiphora), to the point that tears frequently run down the cheeks. This is due to the eye's reaction to the irritation of the underlying dryness and is usually worse in dry or windy environments. The condition also causes blurry, fluctuating vision which is especially frustrating after having gone through the procedure. What is LASIK?LASIK is a common refractive laser procedure that eliminates nearsightedness or farsightedness and allows clear vision at distance without glasses or contact lenses. The procedure involves surgically cutting a flap on the front of the cornea.
Aggravating FactorsA number of factors aggravate the LASIK Dry Eye, including wood-burning stoves, air conditioning, riding in a car with the defroster blowing in your face and riding in commercial aircraft. In all these cases the minimal tears that remain in the eye rapidly evaporate and produce the symptoms. There was a recent study indicating that LASIK patients may do better from a dry eye standpoint, if they are put on Restasis. My own experience would back this finding up, but I find LASIK patients often also need to go through the same regimen as Dry Eye Syndrome patients, with increased DHA, artificial tears and gels. Following at least a month of Restasis, punctal plugs are also especially effective for post-LASIK patients (See Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment).
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