Lasik and Dry Eyes
Posted Under: Eye Care
Lasik and Dry Eyes
If your eyes tend to be dry you will typically be excluded as a LASIK candidate. That is because in creating the corneal flap which folds back and gives the treatment laser access to the deeper layer, some tiny nerves are usually cut –
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, If your eyes tend to be dry you will typically be excluded as a LASIK candidate. That is because in creating the corneal flap which folds back and gives the treatment laser access to the deeper layer, some tiny nerves are usually cut. This is not deliberate; it is just virtually inevitable. They are connected to the tear glands.
Therefore after your LASIK surgery, some time is needed for those nerves to regrow. In the meantime, the tear glands are unable to deliver adequate tears to keep your eyes moist. This condition of dry eyes is a temporary side effect of LASIK.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic and more severe condition of dry eyes. It can occur in people who have never had LASIK. Possible causes are:
• Menopause
• Normal aging
• Some over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Systemic diseases like Sjogren’s Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms
• Burning
• Stinging
• Excessive mucous in the eye area
• Scratchiness
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Reduced smoke or wind tolerance
Excessive tearing is another, rather odd, symptom of dry eyes. It occurs when eyes that are not sufficiently lubricated from normal tear production become irritated, causing disproportionate watering.
Individuals considering LASIK who currently take diuretics, beta blockers, antihistamines, sleeping pills, nerve medications or pain relievers must discuss specific health conditions with their doctor. This is because artificial tears may be needed to alleviate symptoms of dry eye, and selecting the correct artificial tears is important to properly manage your symptoms.
Diagnosing Dry Eyes
Your eye surgeon can diagnose dry eyes using several common diagnostic tests.
• Break Up Time: A tiny amount of fluorescent dye is placed in your tears. By observing dryness patterns on the eye’s surface, your doctor can better determine if your symptoms are related to dry eyes.
• Schirmer Tear Test: A small strip of filter paper is placed inside your lower eyelid to measure the rate of tear production.
• Lactoferrin Assay: Measures the amount of the protein Lactoferrin in your tears, indicating whether Dry Eye Syndrome is present.
Treating Dry Eye Syndrome
The most simple solution for dry eyes is artificial tears. Tear Duct Plugs can help you retain more tears than you produce, so your eyes stay lubricated. Some dietary supplements, and prescription medications like Restasis, stimulate natural tear production and may be helpful.
In San Francisco, California, The Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley provides a free LASIK consultation and a thorough evaluation to diagnose all eye conditions, including dry eyes.
Why not contact the founder and renowned LASIK surgeon Dr. Gary Kawesch and obtain some relief from the symptoms of Dry Eyes.
Website: http://www.lasikdocs.com
