When LASIK Leaves You Dry: What to Do About Post-Surgery Discomfort
The Hidden Cost of Clarity
LASIK promises visual freedom, but for many, that freedom is quickly overshadowed by chronic dryness and irritation. The procedure works by reshaping the cornea using a laser, but in the process, it disrupts nerves essential for tear production. This damage can reduce the natural tear response, often leaving the eye dry, red, and fatigued. Many patients are surprised to discover that these symptoms can persist for months or even longer after surgery.
Who’s Most at Risk At Developing Eye Dryness?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to post-LASIK dryness. If you already struggle with dry eyes, LASIK can worsen the condition.
Women, especially those going through hormonal shifts, are at increased risk.
Those who frequently wore contact lenses or who have autoimmune conditions should also exercise caution. What starts as a desire for life without glasses may become a long-term commitment to managing discomfort.
The Science Behind the Discomfort
Dry eyes after LASIK are not just due to nerve damage. The surgery can also interfere with the meibomian glands, which produce oils that keep tears from evaporating too quickly. Add in screen time, reduced blinking, and environmental triggers, and the ocular surface can become inflamed and unstable. Without a healthy tear film, vision may blur, and the eyes may sting, burn, or water excessively.
Steps You Can Take To Relive Dry Eyes Now
Relief begins with restoration. Start by supporting your eyes from within.
DRYEye Forte and Lacritec supplements are both formulated to enhance tear quality and reduce inflammation. These supplements are part of a long-term strategy to rebuild ocular comfort.
Externally, moisture matters. Using a heated eye mask like the Eye Cloud Heated Mask or Tranquil Eyes can gently open clogged glands and stimulate natural lubrication. For overnight relief, our Eye Seals 4.0 moisture-locking mask creates a closed environment, minimizing tear evaporation while you sleep.
For daily hydration, reach for preservative-free eye drops like Hylo-Forte or a tear film stabiliser such as Nova Tears Omega 3. These provide surface relief without aggravating sensitive tissue.
Read more about our eye drops for dry eyes here.
For deeper maintenance, the NuLids Dry Eye System offers a home-use solution that supports lid hygiene and meibomian gland function—two pillars of long-term dry eye relief.
Why Prevention Still Matters
Dry eye symptoms following LASIK can be long-lasting and difficult to manage. For those already dealing with dryness or sensitivity, surgery can add unnecessary complexity.
Choosing glasses over LASIK avoids the risk of nerve damage and tear film disruption entirely. Glasses offer clear, reliable vision without altering the natural surface of the eye.
For many, they remain the most comfortable and low-maintenance option, especially when dry eye health is a concern.
Where Eyes By Design Fits In
We understand how frustrating dry eyes can be, especially after surgery.
That is why Eyes By Design offers more than just advice, we provide proven tools you can trust.
All our supplements, masks, and dry eye systems are available online, selected by professionals who focus exclusively on eye health.
Whether you are managing post-LASIK dryness or looking to avoid it altogether, our solutions are designed to restore comfort and give your eyes the care they deserve.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics.
It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg
For over two decades, my greatest passion has been helping people of all ages live improved lives through better vision. At Eyes by Design, vision is so much more than being able to see clearly or read small letters from far away; it determines your perceptions and reactions every second of the day.
Read more about Dr Nick
