Can I get LASIK if I have Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes do not necessarily eliminate the option of LASIK surgery. You must be examined by an ophthalmologist before you can know whether LASIK is a good choice for your vision. You should mention your concerns about dry eye to your ophthalmologist during your LASIK consultation.

If you wear contact lenses, you may have noticed your eyes feel dry and irritated, and the lens may feel uncomfortable on your eye. This kind of discomfort is often caused by dry eye, a condition that is quite common and can be chronic.

Dry eye is also a possible side effect following LASIK surgery. The incision made in your cornea during LASIK can cause dry eye, and can also aggravate any previous dry eye condition. For this reason, experienced eye surgeons screen their patients for severe dry eyes and recommend a treatment plan accordingly. For severe cases of dry, your eye surgeon may recommend:

• Medicated eye drops prior to LASIK
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
• Another refractive eye surgery procedure

Surgeries like LASEK and PRK can prevent the side effect of dry eyes because of the technical differences between these surgeries and LASIK.

Many people with dry eyes have received LASIK and are happy with the results, while other people elect an alternative procedure. The only way to know whether LASIK can be effective in your case is to consult an experienced eye surgeon.

To learn more about LASIK and whether it may be the most effective way for you to improve your vision, please contact an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.