The decision to undergo LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a significant step toward achieving clearer vision and reducing reliance on glasses or contact lenses. As you brim with excitement about your glasses-free world that awaits, you may also have some questions about your recovery. If you’re wondering, “Will I need to use eye drops for LASIK surgery?” The answer is yes—eye drops are a vital part of your post-operative plan, as they alleviate discomfort, promote healing, and ensure you receive the best possible visual outcome as you adjust to your new sight. Most patients use medicated eye drops for one week and lubricating eye drops for one to three months after surgery. Read below to learn all about the use of eye drops after LASIK.
What About LASIK Makes Eye Drops Necessary?
Following your custom LASIK procedure, it’s common to experience temporary side effects, such as dry eyes or mild inflammation. These are natural responses to the changes in your eye’s surface after surgery. As your cornea heals, you may notice sensations like dryness or slight discomfort, which are an expected part of the initial recovery. Eye drops can enhance comfort and support your journey toward achieving “20/happy” vision.
What Types of Eye Drops Do You Recommend After LASIK Surgery?
The best eye drops for after LASIK are the ones provided to you by Dr. Corsini, as these are tailored to support your specific needs and ensure a smooth healing process. You may be given any combination of:
- Antibiotic. Crucial for preventing infection during the initial healing phase and typically used for 7 days post-surgery; applied 4 times a day. Antibiotic drops after surgery help make post-LASIK infections incredibly rare (<0.1%, which is much less common than contact-lens-related infections).
- Steroid. Prevents inflammation and supports the healing process, generally used for 7 days after surgery, depending on your specific needs. The dosage is typically 4 times per day. About 1% of the time, patients require a longer course of steroids to treat inflammation that arises within the first week of surgery.
- Lubricating. Also called artificial tears, these drops are essential for alleviating dryness and providing comfort to your eyes after surgery. Dr. Corisni recommends preservative-free artificial tears to be used every hour while awake for the first week and at least four times a day for the first month after LASIK.
Dr. Corsini provides each surgery patient with all of the necessary eye drops, so you won’t have to visit the pharmacy before or after LASIK.
The Best Lubricating Drops After LASIK: Brand Recommendations
Dr. Corsini does not endorse any specific brand of lubricating drops, but he encourages each patient to use preservative-free drops to avoid irritation or allergy from preservatives. At the time of this blog, he provides Refresh Plus eye drops to every surgical patient at no cost. If you find yourself needing to purchase more drops after your initial supply has run out, you may start your search with one of the following brands:
- Refresh: Offers a variety of formulations suitable for post-operative care. Refresh Classic is the lightest drop, Refresh Celluvisc is the thickest, and Refresh Plus is in the middle. Thicker the drops provide longer relief but entail more blurring when applied to the eye.
- Systane: Known for its long-lasting relief and effectiveness in managing dry eyes.
- TheraTears: A trusted name with preservative-free options that are gentle on sensitive eyes.
- GenTeal Drops: Provides soothing relief with a gentle, preservative-free formula ideal for sensitive post-surgery eyes.
Other dry eye drops, such as Xiidra or Restasis, increase your body’s natural tear production. These medications require a doctor’s prescription. Remember, our team at Corsini Laser Eye Center is always here to guide you in selecting the best products that’ll work for your unique vision journey. If you have any questions about specific eye drops for LASIK, please ask during your LASIK consultation with us or during one of your follow-up appointments.
How To Manage Dry Eyes After LASIK?
Duration
While our patients often see improvement in dry eye symptoms within a few weeks after LASIK, it’s possible to experience dryness for longer, potentially up to several months. As frustrating as this can be, the good news is that it’s temporary, and your lubricating eye drops should provide comfort and relief. If you notice that the dryness persists beyond this timeframe or worsens, please reach out to us, as your comfort and recovery are our top priority.
Best Practices for Applying Eye Drops For LASIK Surgery
We recommend following these 5 simple steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid.
- Hold the dropper above your eye without touching it.
- Squeeze the drop into your eye and close it gently.
- Avoid blinking or rubbing your eyes immediately after application.
Step Into Clarity – Your Happy Vision Is Within Reach
If you are primed to start your journey into a glasses-free life, we are here to prioritize and support you with our premier, personalized, and pain-free LASIK experience. Schedule your complimentary consultation today to learn more about how LASIK can help you achieve visual freedom.