Eye crusting, often called rheum or “sleep,” is common following LASIK surgery. This discharge is a natural mix of mucus, oils, and dead skin cells from the tear film that accumulates, typically overnight. The post-operative state, including increased tear production and the use of medicated eye drops, often temporarily increases this buildup. Safely managing this crusting is a routine part of recovery, ensuring the eye remains clean without disturbing the healing corneal tissue.
Approved Methods for Gentle Cleaning
Before cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria or contaminants to the post-surgical area. Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel.
To soften the dried discharge, soak a clean, soft cloth or cotton pad in warm water. The water should be comfortably warm, never hot, to avoid thermal injury. Gently wring out the cloth until it is damp but not dripping, then place it over the closed eye for a few moments to loosen the crust.
Once softened, the removal technique must be gentle. Use a new, clean cotton pad or the corner of the washcloth to wipe the area around the closed eye. Wipe only in one direction: from the inner corner of the eye near the nose toward the outer corner.
This single-direction motion moves debris away from the eye’s surface. Use a fresh section of the washcloth or a new sterile cotton pad for each cleaning stroke, and use entirely different materials for the second eye to prevent cross-contamination. Some surgeons may recommend moistening the cleaning material with sterile saline solution instead of water. Always confirm the preferred liquid with your surgical team.
Actions to Strictly Avoid Post-LASIK
Avoid any action that places pressure on the eyeball or causes friction against the cornea. Rubbing or vigorously wiping the eyes is prohibited, as this could shift the corneal flap created during LASIK. Also, avoid materials with fibers that can separate and leave particles in the eye, such as facial tissues or cotton swabs with loose strands.
Never introduce tap water directly into the eyes, especially during the first few weeks after surgery. Tap water is not sterile and may contain microorganisms that pose a serious infection risk to a healing eye. When showering or washing your face, keep your eyes closed and shield them from direct water spray.
Do not attempt to scrape or pick off crusting that is firmly stuck to the eyelashes or eyelid margin. If the discharge does not easily wipe away after a warm compress, repeat the softening process. Maintaining the prescribed schedule for medicated eye drops is important, and cleaning should not delay or miss any doses.
Identifying Symptoms That Require a Doctor’s Call
While mild crusting is a normal part of recovery, certain symptoms suggest a complication requiring immediate attention from your eye surgeon. A sudden increase in pain, pressure, or discomfort, especially if it worsens over a few hours, is a serious warning sign. Also watch for any discharge that changes in consistency or color.
If the eye crusting becomes thick, yellow, green, or pus-like, this may indicate a bacterial infection. Other concerning symptoms include a rapid decline in visual clarity, a marked increase in redness across the white of the eye, or a new, heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia). Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt medical intervention is necessary to protect the outcome of your LASIK procedure.