Category Archives: Scleral lenses

Scleral contact lenses used to treat irregular corneas due to Lasik failures, RK complications, keratoconus, cornea ectasia, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

PVR PROSE Lenses for Post LASIK Side Effects

PVR PROSE Lenses are helpful in a lot of post LASIK complications and side effects including corneal ectasia, irregular astigmatism, dry eyes, etc.

PVR PROSE Lenses don’t come in contact with the cornea of the eye, therefore they’re helpful in patients having sensitive or irregular cornea, where soft and conventional contact lenses can’t be used.

There is a film of tear between the PVR PROSE Lens and the cornea, which provides a cushion as well as helps in uniform refraction while the light rays pass through the lens, cornea and the gap in between.

PVR PROSE Lens for post Lasik ectasia

PVR PROSE Lenses and dry eyes

PVR PROSE Lenses and nearsightedness or farsightedness

PVR PROSE Lenses and irregular astigmatism

PVR PROSE Lenses can be helpful in patients suffering with irregular astigmatism after the LASIK procedure.

If you’re having any complications after LASIK procedure consult our specialist to discuss the post Lasik side effects in your case and the best possible treatment options for you.

Post Lasik Ectasia

Post Lasik ectasia of the cornea is one of the most severe complications of Lasik (Laser in situ Keratomileusis).

The Lasik procedure permanently weakens and thins out the cornea, resulting in progressive changes in the cornea such as steepening or bulging, called ectasia. Corneal ectasia results in the visual deterioration.

Keratoconus vs Ectasia

Keratoconus and post Lasik ectasia (keratectasia) are histologically two different processes. Keratoconus is a corneal disorder that isn’t related to surgery and affects both eyes. It begins usually in late teenage years or around puberty. Keratectasia is a result of corneal manipulation during surgery, like Lasik. If the patient didn’t have keratoconus before surgery and didn’t have any family history of the disease, then the post Lasik weakening of the cornea is probably keratectasia (ectasia).

Risk factors of Post Lasik Ectasia

Most common risk factors of post Lasik Ectasia in order of significance are:

  • Abnormal preoperative topography
  • Low residual stromal bed (RSB) thickness
  • Young age
  • Low perioperative corneal thickness
  • High myopia

Post Lasik Ectasia

Treatment of Post Lasik Ectasia

Treatment options for post Lasik ectasia include:

Contact lenses

Contact lenses are helpful in the rehabilitation of vision in patients with post Lasik ectasia. The types of contact lenses best for the patient can be variable as per the exact symptoms and case along with patient’s personal preference. Some of the options include:

  • Rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP)
  • Scleral contact lenses
  • Soft contact lenses (custom wavefront guided)
  • Hybrid contact lenses
  • Tandem soft contact lenses

Preferably scleral lenses and rigid gas permeable contact lenses are chosen for the patients. However if they are intolerant to the rigid gas permeable lenses they can be advised the tandem soft contact lenses, hybrid contact lenses and the scleral contact lenses as the next options.

Intracorneal ring segments

Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) are used in post Lasik ectasia patients having thin cornea that can’t tolerate the contact lens. The size, symmetry, location and number of segments to use are dependent on the individual case and surgeon’s decision.

Corneal collagen cross-linking

The anterior thin layer of cornea is weakened during the flap creation. Most of the cross linking effect occurs in that almost 200 microns of anterior layer of cornea. Cross linking has been claimed to stop the progress of ectasia therefore corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) can be used to stop post Lasik ectasia from getting worse.

Combination therapies

Some patients might need and benefit from the combination therapies including intracorneal ring segments or corneal crosslinking or any other combined therapy.

Penetrating keratoplasty

Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is used as the last resort in patients with post Lasik estasia.

Global Complex Eye Care was specifically designed, equipped, and staffed to provide patients with nothing but the finest in professional eye care. As Post LASIK specialists, we have successfully treated patients with Post Lasik Ectasia, Keratoconus, LASIK Dry Eye and other side effects, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and other irregular corneas. Optometrists and Ophthalmologists from all over Maryland and surrounding states refer patients to Dr. Irwin Azman.

For more information please call, (240) 782-2020
to schedule your complimentary telephone consultation.

 

Scleral lenses related to post Lasik side effects

Scleral contact lenses are specialized lenses that are made of a high oxygen permeable material and are larger in diameter as compared to conventional lenses.

Scleral contact lenses aren’t a contact lens in strict sense, as they don’t have any contact with the cornea of an eye. The lens rests on the sclera of the eye and doesn’t move with the movement of the eyeball.

Scleral lenses for post Lasik complications

Scleral contact lenses are helpful in a lot of post Lasik complications and side effects including corneal ectasia, irregular astigmatism, dry eyes, etc.

Scleral contact lenses don’t come in contact with the cornea of the eye, therefore they’re helpful in patients having sensitive or irregular cornea, where soft and conventional contact lenses can’t be used.

There is a film of tear between the scleral contact lens and the cornea, which provides a cushion as well as helps in uniform refraction while the light rays pass through the lens, cornea and the gap in between.

scleral-contact-lenses-lasik

Scleral contact lens for post Lasik ectasia

Corneal damage in post Lasik patients can lead to corneal ectasia. Conventional and soft lenses that rest on the cornea are useless in this condition as they sit on the cornea and cannot maintain their contour as they adjust with the corneal surface.

Scleral contact lenses rest on the sclera and have no contact with the cornea directly; therefore their shape isn’t affected by cornea irregularities and ectasia, providing unaffected refraction of light from the lens surface.

Scleral contact lenses and dry eyes

As scleral contact lenses don’t come in contact with the cornea of the eye, they are useful in patients who can’t tolerate the contact lenses otherwise due to the dry eyes.

Scleral contact lenses and nearsightedness or farsightedness

Patients left with refractive errors or having an over correction can use scleral contact lenses to correct the myopia or hyperopia in their eyes.

Scleral contact lenses and irregular astigmatism

Scleral contact lenses can be helpful in patients suffering with irregular astigmatism after the Lasik procedure.

If you’re having any complications after Lasik procedure consult a specialist to discuss the post Lasik side effects in your case and the best possible treatment options for you.

Dr. Oz Show Discusses Long-term Side Effects of LASIK

An episode of the Dr. Oz Show, which aired on October 3rd, 2013, featured an investigative report about the potential life-long side effects of LASIK eye surgery.

As a popular elective surgery, nearly 800,000 people get Lasik every year. FDA clinical data trial shows that every modern laser left 1 out of 5 patients seeing worse after LASIK. Side effects include seeing double, seeing halos or starbursts (especially at night), and dry eye pain.

Investigative reporter Elisabeth Leamy has been investigating the harmful side effects of LASIK for over two years. During her undercover consultations with doctors, she discovered that the side effects were minimalized and the procedure was treated like an easy, no-risk procedure.

Morris Waxler, the former FDA official responsible for getting LASIK surgery approved, is now working to get it banned. He says that the side effects of LASIK are actually injuries and that LASIK harms 20% of patients.

lasik problems

LASIK eye surgery works by cutting a flap of the top layer of the cornea and then using a laser to reshape the exposed cornea. Complications can occur when the flap of the cornea is cut too thick, too thin or too far into the cornea. However, even if this cut is perfect, when the flap is put back down it doesn’t necessarily heal perfectly. Years later it can become dislodged and trigger negative side effects. In addition, if there were underlying issues prior to the LASIK surgery that were not treated, LASIK surgery (and enhancement touch-ups) will most likely exacerbate the issues. Unfortunately many post LASIK patients now have life long side effects, ranging from the smallest amount to the most severe.

Dr. Irwin Azman provides treatment for people who underwent LASIK, PRK, and RK sugery but are now experiencing post-surgical side effects and complications.

According to Dr. Azman:

“While LASIK surgery can be successful under optimum eye conditions, unfortunately many patients do experience side effects due to pre-existing conditions. However, there is hope. Utilizing our vast experience and expertise, as well as an array of new technologies, we are able to treat these side effects with non-surgical techniques.”

For more information about treatments for Post LASIK side effects and complications visit www.lasikfailures.com or call (240) 782-2020.

Glasses After RK surgery

Radial Keratotomy (RK) is a procedure to correct nearsightedness. The procedure included manually flattening the corneal surface to reduce the refraction of light rays passing through cornea in myopic eyes.

However, the problems with the procedure are more than its benefits in many patients. The procedure was widely used before the advent of more technical options that are available today. The patients who went through the RK surgery usually experience visual disturbances and need management of the complications caused by RK surgery. The correction of side effects caused by RK requires the patients to use glasses, lenses with eye drops, and medication too depending upon their individual case.

rk-surgery

Glasses for post RK complications

Patients undergoing RK procedure frequently complain of pain, glare, visual disturbances etc. They might be temporary in some cases, but are reported to be long standing in many cases.

Glasses for under correction after RK

In under corrected cases, the myopia persists and the glasses for fixing nearsightedness are required. Although they’ll be less diverging than the one used prior to the procedure as the nearsightedness will be partially fixed by the RK procedure.

Glasses for over correction after RK

Over-correction means that the condition which was once nearsightedness is now on the side of farsightedness. These patients need converging lens glasses to have a clear vision of far objects.

Glasses for astigmatism after RK

As the RK procedure is a manual, chances of error and irregularities on cornea caused during the surgery are high. These irregularities can result in astigmatism.

The astigmatism correction needs glasses with cylindrical lens to correct the astigmatism along with spherical lens for nearsightedness or farsightedness in the patient’s eye.

Different pair of glasses for different times of day

The RK incisions can swell at a given time in day or can be flat. Depending upon the condition of cornea, the refraction may differ and thus the vision too. Although this might be temporary in most patients during the healing phase only, they still need assistance through eyeglasses in that phase.

Different pair of glasses for each time of day is ideal for such patients so that they can carry on normal routines during all times of the day.

If you had RK surgery and are now suffering from post RK complications, consult with Dr. Irwin Azman, Post RK Specialist, for a complimentary telephone consultation.

Dr. Irwin Azman is one of the pioneers of the Post RK | LASIK | PRK patient. With over 25 years of experience in the management and treatment of the Post RK patient. Together with his knowledge and experience Dr. Azman is able to prescribe each patient with the proper solution in resolving their Post RK complications, including starburst, glare, dry eye, and other RK complications.

Serving the following areas since 1975:

MARYLAND: Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Bowie, Carney, Cockeysville, Crofton, Elkton, Essex, Fallston, Fredrick, Glenwood, Hampstead, Havre De Grace, Jarrettsville, Kingsville, Laurel, Lutherville, Manchester, Monkton, Parkton, Parkville, Phoenix, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Severn, Severna Park, Silver Spring, Sparks-Glencoe, Sparrows Point, Towson, Westminster, and Perry Hall
PENNSYLVANIA: Harrisburg, Hershey, Middleton,  Shrewsbury,  and York.
VIRGINIA:  Alexandria, Fairfax, Tysons Corner, and Vienna WASHINGTION DC.

High Order Aberrations (HOA) Related To Refractive Surgery/LASIK

High order aberrations (HOA) refer to complex imperfections of the optical system and are normally present in all eyes in minor unnoticeable amounts. However as a result of optical refractive surgeries such as LASIK, unnatural and irregular shape of the cornea can result in increase in HOA and thus result in halos, double vision, smears and other visual disturbances.

Measuring and Diagnosing High Order Aberrations

High order aberrations are measured using a wavefront aberrometer. The wavefront aberrometer measures the distortions of light as they pass through the patient’s cornea.

Wavefront aberrometry helps in diagnosing both lower order and higher order vision errors based on how the light passing through eye focuses or refracts.

High order vs. Low order aberrations

Lower order aberrations are common vision errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Higher order aberrations are coma, spherical aberration and trefoil. These aberrations result in visual disturbances like glare, halos, starbursts, blurring, double vision, etc.

HOA after refractive surgeries like LASIK

As discussed above, HOA are present in normal un-operated eyes too, however usually they’re too low to be noticed or to cause any visual disturbances to the normal eye.

As a result of manipulation of the cornea or structures of eye involved in refraction of light entering the eye, the HOA are increased.

HOA in LASIK

In conventional LASIK surgeries, the HOA usually increase to an extent that they’re noticeable and cause visual disturbances especially at night when the pupils are dilated. This is due to the change and irregularity of corneal surface induced during the LASIK procedure.

HOA in wavefront-guided LASIK

Although wavefront-guided LASIK was introduced to reduce the total aberrations of the eye (both higher order and lower order) during the procedure, they still tend to result in increased HOA after the surgery, but reportedly less than conventional method.

The increase in HOA as a result of corneal manipulation in procedures like LASIK is one of the main reasons for visual disturbances like halos, glare, starbursts, double vision, blurring of vision, disturbed night vision, etc.

Treatment of increased HOA

HOA POST LASIK High Order Aberrations (HOA)

Before and After Treatment of POST LASIK High Order Aberrations (HOA)

 

 

If the corneal surface is manipulated and significant increase in HOA has occurred to cause visual disturbances, contact Dr. Irwin Azman to discuss the condition in detail, to understand your issue and best options for your specific case. Options to solve the visual complications due to irregular corneal surface or other related option may include the following: rigid gas lenses (RGP), scleral contact lenses, soft contact lenses, hybrid lenses, and other options.

If you’re experiencing HOA disturbances (halos, glare, starbursts, double vision, blurring of vision, disturbed night vision, etc.) consult with Dr. Irwin Azman, Post LASIK HOA Specialist, for a complimentary telephone consultation.

Dr. Irwin Azman is one of the pioneers of the Post LASIK | PRK | RK patient. With over 25 years of experience in the management and treatment of the Post LASIK patient. Together with his knowledge and experience Dr. Azman is able to prescribe each patient with the proper solution in resolving their Post LASIK complications, including starburst, glare, dry eye, and other LASIK complications.

Serving the following areas since 1975:
MARYLAND: Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Bowie, Carney, Cockeysville, Crofton, Elkton, Essex, Fallston, Fredrick, Glenwood, Hampstead, Havre De Grace, Jarrettsville, Kingsville, Laurel, Lutherville, Manchester, Monkton, Parkton, Parkville, Phoenix, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Severn, Severna Park, Silver Spring, Sparks-Glencoe, Sparrows Point, Towson, Westminster, and Perry Hall
PENNSYLVANIA: Harrisburg, Hershey, Middleton,  Shrewsbury,  and York.
VIRGINIA:  Alexandria, Fairfax, Tysons Corner, and Vienna WASHINGTION DC.

 

Scleral Contact Lenses For Post LASIK

The concept of scleral contact lenses is as old as 100 years, but their use was limited due to various issues such as permeability and material of lens. However with technological advancement, the use of scleral lenses have become wide spread in past few decades for various ocular conditions, including post-LASIK complications like residual refractive error.

Scleral contact lenses for post LASIK complications

In post LASIK cases, the modified cornea may no longer be able to fit well to conventional lenses like toric soft lenses and may add to patient’s irritation and frustration. Scleral contact lenses are advised to those patients to overcome the post LASIK complications such as visual disturbances and dry eyes.

What is a scleral contact lens?

Scleral contact lenses are a type of rigid gas permeable lenses. They are often considered to be the last resort for patients for whom other lenses have failed.

Scleral contact lenses are wider than usual lenses and thus are supported entirely by the sclera, without irritating or getting support from cornea. Therefore they are helpful in preventing corneal irritation and to overcome corneal surface abnormalities easily.

How scleral contact lenses help post LASIK patients

During the LASIK procedure, the cornea is modified and manipulated. Although the procedure is performed to get rid of lenses and glasses, in some cases of LASIK complications, scleral lenses might be the last resort in solving the post LASIK side effects. However, due to corneal changes during the LASIK procedure, conventional lenses are hard to fit on its surface and thus result in more irritation and issues. In those patients, scleral contact lenses are advised to fix post LASIK complications.

The scleral contact lenses provide vision correction without touching the cornea, therefore any irregularity on the surface of cornea has no affect in de-shaping the scleral contact lens surface.

Furthermore, the permeable material used in scleral contact lenses allows easy gas exchange preventing corneal hypoxia.

The scleral contact lenses are helpful in patients with dry eyes and various other visual issues following LASIK surgery.

If you’re not happy after LASIK surgery and are having any post LASIK complications, consult Dr. Irwin Azman, Post LASIK Specialist, for a complimentary telephone consultation. Discuss the possibility and effectiveness of scleral contact lenses and all your options in your case.

Dr. Irwin Azman is one of the pioneers of the Post LASIK | PRK | RK patient. With over 25 years of experience in the management and treatment of the Post LASIK patient. Together with his knowledge and experience Dr. Azman is able to prescribe each patient with the proper solution in resolving their Post LASIK complications, including starburst, glare, dry eye, and other LASIK complications.

Serving the following areas since 1975:
MARYLAND: Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Bowie, Carney, Cockeysville, Crofton, Elkton, Essex, Fallston, Fredrick, Glenwood, Hampstead, Havre De Grace, Jarrettsville, Kingsville, Laurel, Lutherville, Manchester, Monkton, Parkton, Parkville, Phoenix, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Severn, Severna Park, Silver Spring, Sparks-Glencoe, Sparrows Point, Towson, Westminster, and Perry Hall PENNSYLVANIA: Harrisburg, Hershey, Middleton,  Shrewsbury,  and York. VIRGINIA:  Alexandria, Fairfax, Tysons Corner, and Vienna WASHINGTION DC.

LASIK Starbursts

LASIK Starbursts| Night Vision Treatment and Correction

LASIK surgery is a generally safe procedure with a high success rate. While most of the patients are satisfied with the outcome, some have complications. Patients may experience blurring of vision and starbursts causing difficulty, particularly with night vision. Although these symptoms might resolve themselves gradually after surgery, some patients experience persistent starbursts and disturbed night vision after many months post LASIK surgery.

What Are Starbursts After LASIK Surgery?

Starbursts are the extreme glare around the sources of light and lighted objects, mainly at night. It occurs usually as a result of pupils dilating more than the diameter of treated zone or improper post-surgical adherence of corneal flap. This symptom can also point towards under correction of nearsightedness during the procedure.

Post LASIK Starbursts Treatment

Let it heal

Before jumping to conclusions it’s recommended that you consult your doctor to understand the exact cause of starbursts and possible prognosis of the condition. Usually the night vision correction takes few weeks or months, and no further treatment or management is required in those cases, except for necessary assistance during the recovery phase.

Wave-Front LASIK Procedure

If applicable in your case, the enhancement procedure following the standard LASIK procedure might be advised by your surgeon to fix the starbursts resulting from standard procedure. However, beware that often touch-ups and enhancement can exacerbate the starbursts and glare issues. A second opinion is always beneficial.

Eye drops

As the starbursts are mainly due to the larger dilation of pupils than the treated zone, pupils constricting eye drops can be helpful in selected cases. Remember to consult your doctor before using them on your own.

Glasses or Contact Lenses For Errors Of Refraction – High Order Aberrations

If the condition persists and if the starbursts are due to the errors of refraction, High Order Aberrations (HOA), prescription glasses or contact lenses may be suggested by your eye care specialist.

  • Specialty Contact Lenses
  • Scleral Contact Lenses
  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
  • Hybrid Contact Lenses
  • Soft Contact Lenses
  • High Definition Glasses

Anti-reflective lenses

Anti-glare and anti-reflective lenses may help getting rid of starbursts at night and sunburst in daytime. Specialized lenses can be used to reduce the starbursts glare at night too.

Treating Dry eyes

Dry eyes are a common complication of the LASIK procedure and are a precipitating factor for many other side effects. If you’re suffering from dry eyes get advice from a doctor who specializes in post LASIK Dry Eye. Proper treatment and management of dry eye can reduce or eliminate the starbursts and glare issues.

Always consult a post LASIK specialist and to get the proper advice on your condition before starting any self-management of starbursts or other complications of LASIK surgery.

Dr. Irwin Azman is one of the pioneers of the Post LASIK | PRK | RK patient. With over 25 years of experience in the management and treatment of the Post LASIK patient. Together with his knowledge and experience Dr. Azman is able to prescribe each patient with the proper solution in resolving their Post LASIK complications, including starburst, glare, dry eye, and other LASIK complications.

Serving the following areas since 1975:  MARYLAND: Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Bowie, Carney, Cockeysville, Crofton, Elkton, Essex, Fallston, Fredrick, Glenwood, Hampstead, Havre De Grace, Jarrettsville, Kingsville, Laurel, Lutherville, Manchester, Monkton, Parkton, Parkville, Phoenix, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Severn, Severna Park, Silver Spring, Sparks-Glencoe, Sparrows Point, Towson, Westminster, and Perry Hall PENNSYLVANIA: Harrisburg, Hershey, Middleton,  Shrewsberry,  and York. VIRGINIA:  Alexandria, Fairfax, Tysons Corner, and Vienna WASHINGTION DC.

Lasik Glare Correction

LASIK is a great option for patients to get rid of glasses or contact lenses and many patients around the world benefit from the surgery. However, the procedure does have its side effects. Visual disturbances like Glare are one of the complications following LASIK surgery.

Post LASIK Glare

Post LASIK glare is when the patient following LASIK eye surgery develops a visual disturbance when looking at bright light. The glare can be a problem on bright days specially or while looking at bright light sources such as in a bright room or while driving at night.

It’s important not to jump to conclusions regarding the glare experienced after LASIK surgery. Consult a Post LASIK Specialist to understand the condition exactly and what’s the best solution for you. Sometimes minor touch ups can fix the glare issues but often further surgery exacerbates the problem.

Glare after Lasik

Glare after LASIK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for Post LASIK Glare:

  • Avoid harsh bright lights

First of all, the patients are advised to avoid looking at bright objects to prevent glare. This means not looking at the sun on a bright sunny day and not looking at the harsh lights, both indoor and outdoor.

  • Using sunglasses

Sunglasses are of great help in patients experiencing glare following LASIK surgery. Polarized glasses can be of special help to prevent glare and visual disturbance in those patients. Note that the polarized glasses reduce the visibility of images from LCD’s e.g. your smart phones, gps, car or plane lcd screens, etc.

  • Using eye drops

Never start using eye drops without consulting your eye care specialist. Certain eye drops can be harmful\self-contradictory; therefore self-medication is absolutely contraindicated. If your condition can and should be managed by medication, your doctor will advise you certain eye drops to be used to correct the glare following LASIK surgery.

Post LASIK Glare Treatments:

  • Scleral Contact Lenses
  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
  • Hybrid Contact Lenses
  • Soft Contact Lenses
  • Post Lasik Glasses
  • Dry Eye Treatment

Glare is one of the complications of LASIK surgery and is not only disturbing, but can be disabling in certain situations as the light is scattered with reduced contrast in the scene being seen by the eye. LASIK Glare can be treated completely or reduced / controlled by certain measures and treatments. However before proceeding to further touch-up surgery and treatments it’s important to consult a Post LASIK Specialist and get the condition evaluated and understood for best management and treatment.

Dr. Irwin Azman is one of the pioneers of the Post LASIK | PRK | RK patient. With over 25 years of experience in the diagnosis, management and treatment of the Post LASIK | PRK | RK patient with complications. Together with his knowledge and experience Dr. Azman is able to prescribe each patient with the proper solution in resolving their Post LASIK glare and other LASIK complications.

Lasik Dry Eye Treatment and Correction

Lasik Dry Eye Treatment and Correction

Dry eyes are a common complication of LASIK procedure. Although in most cases the post lasik dry eyes is temporary, however some patients might continue having dry eyes for years after the procedure. Most of these patients are those who had some level dry eye before the surgery too.

Lasik Dry Eye Treatment

Following lasik surgery, the corneal sensitivity might reduce and result in inability of nervous system to sense the need of lubrication, specially due to damage to nerves during flap creation and ablation of cornea, resulting in inadequate tears production. This not only results in discomfort but also affects vision.

Treating dry eyes prior to LASIK procedure

In patients with dry eyes symptoms prior to LASIK procedure, the surgeon might advise treating the condition prior to surgery. This includes prescribing lubricating eye drops, punctal plugs, which slow down normal drainage of tears and thus help prevent dry eyes, or other methods of dry eye treatment.

Any abnormality of ocular surface noted before surgery should be treated before LASIK is performed.

Treating dry eyes after LASIK

Most patients with post LASIK dry eyes respond well to conventional dry eyes treatment. This includes:

Using eye drops:

– Artificial tears (not sufficiently affective alone usually)
– Short course of topical steroid (not good for long term due to side effects of steroids)
– Autologous serum eye drops (mixing patients serum with sterile saline solution and using it as eye drops)
Punctal occlusion

Punctal occlusion is used to slow down tears drainage of tears from the eyes. This results in tears remaining longer on the surface of eyes.

Massage and compresses

Warm, moist compresses and gentle lid massage on selected cases can help in better tear production in those cases.

Contact lenses

Contact lenses depending upon patients other post lasik complications can be helpful in reducing the dry eyes symptoms. Gas permeable lenses don’t absorb moisture from the surface of the eyes, thus they are recommended in such patients.

It’s important to understand and remember that the symptoms related to dry eyes are common in post LASIK patients. However discussing the issue with a LASIK Dry Eye Specialists and managing it is essential in both temporary and permanent dry eyes.