LASIK surgery is an effective procedure for correcting vision, but success relies significantly on diligent post-operative care. Eye drops are essential for recovery, serving two roles: preventing potential complications and managing comfort by mitigating the common side effect of dry eye. Both prescribed medication drops and over-the-counter lubricating drops are required.
Essential Prescription Drops for Healing
Immediately after the procedure, your surgeon will prescribe two categories of medicated drops for protecting the corneal tissue. Antibiotic drops are administered first to prevent bacterial infection while the eye’s natural protective barriers are temporarily compromised. These drops are typically used for about one week to ensure the healing corneal flap remains safe.
The second category includes steroid or other anti-inflammatory drops, which are introduced to control the body’s natural inflammatory response to the surgery. Controlling inflammation is important for ensuring the cornea heals with a smooth surface and helps prevent a condition known as corneal haze, which can cloud vision. Common ingredients like prednisolone or loteprednol are used on a precise, time-sensitive schedule provided by your surgeon.
Adherence to the exact schedule, especially the tapering of the anti-inflammatory drops, is extremely important. A typical schedule involves a gradual reduction in frequency over one to two weeks, rather than an abrupt stop. Stopping the steroid drops too quickly can lead to a rebound inflammatory response that may slow healing or affect the final visual result.
Selecting Lubricating Drops for Dryness Relief
Post-LASIK dry eye is common because the procedure temporarily disrupts the tiny nerves on the corneal surface that stimulate tear production. Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, supplement the eye’s natural moisture. The most important factor is ensuring they are preservative-free, as chemicals in standard drops can irritate and potentially damage the surface of a healing cornea.
Preservative-free tears are packaged in single-use vials or special multi-dose bottles designed to dispense drops without preservatives. Look for formulations containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), or glycerin, which mimic the quality of natural tears and provide sustained comfort. These ingredients help stabilize the tear film and protect the ocular surface.
The frequency of use for these comfort drops is guided by your symptoms but is often quite high, sometimes up to once every hour in the first few days and weeks. Some patients may find benefit in drops with different viscosities; a thinner drop may be suitable for frequent daytime use, while a thicker gel drop or ointment may provide longer-lasting moisture overnight. Unlike the medicated drops, artificial tears can be used as frequently as needed for several months while the corneal nerves regenerate.
Proper Application and Scheduling Guidelines
Mastering the technique for applying eye drops is necessary to ensure the medication is absorbed correctly and to avoid contaminating the bottle.
Application Technique
- Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water.
- Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and look up toward the ceiling.
- Hold the dropper tip directly over the eye, ensuring it does not touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes.
- Squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the pocket of the lower lid.
- After the drop is administered, gently close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds without blinking or squeezing, which helps the drop absorb rather than drain away.
Managing the complex schedule of multiple drops requires careful timing to prevent one medication from washing out another. You must wait a minimum of five to ten minutes between applying different types of drops, such as an antibiotic, a steroid, and a lubricating drop. Most surgeons advise using the lubricating drops last, or sometimes first if the medicated drops cause stinging, to maximize the effectiveness of each treatment.
Identifying Adverse Reactions and Warning Signs
While serious complications are rare, recognizing specific symptoms is important for prompt communication with your surgeon. Normal post-operative symptoms include mild irritation, fluctuating vision, and light sensitivity, which should gradually improve over the first few days. However, certain signs suggest a need for urgent medical attention.
Any sudden and significant worsening of pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication should be reported without delay. Other concerning symptoms include rapidly increasing eye redness, a noticeable and persistent decrease in vision, or extreme sensitivity to light that becomes debilitating. These signs can sometimes indicate an infection or an inflammatory reaction requiring immediate adjustment to your treatment plan.
If your eye begins to secrete unusual discharge, or if you notice a white or gray spot on your cornea, contact your eye care provider. Diligent monitoring and prompt communication regarding unexpected symptoms safeguard your healing process and help achieve the best long-term vision.