Dry eyes may seem like a minor inconvenience, but if you’re considering LASIK, they can significantly affect both your candidacy and your final results. At New York Laser Vision, led by board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Julia Giyaur, we prioritize identifying and managing this condition to ensure surgical accuracy, faster recovery, and long-term comfort.
In this blog, we’ll explain how dry eyes can interfere with LASIK outcomes and the steps you can take to protect your vision.
Why Moisture Matters for Your LASIK Outcome
Your tear film acts like a natural lens coating, keeping the eye’s surface smooth and clear. When moisture is lacking, the cornea can become irregular, reducing the laser’s precision during reshaping. This can result in:
- Less accurate vision correction
- Increased glare or halos, especially at night
- Longer recovery times and fluctuating vision
Adequate moisture also speeds healing and reduces post-operative discomfort.
Can You Have LASIK with Dry Eyes?
Mild dry eye doesn’t always rule out LASIK, but it must be under control before surgery. At NY Laser Vision, we assess every patient’s tear production and corneal health with advanced diagnostic tools. If dryness is present, we recommend treatment before proceeding to achieve the safest and most accurate results.
How to Treat Dry Eyes Before Vision Correction
Treating dryness early can greatly improve your LASIK candidacy. Some of the common strategies include:
- Artificial tears: To increase moisture and reduce irritation.
- Prescription eye drops: To enhance tear quality and decrease inflammation.
- Punctal plugs: Small devices that help retain natural tears longer.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Staying hydrated, taking regular screen breaks, and using a humidifier.
These steps help optimize the corneal surface for precise laser reshaping.
Why Dry Eye Can Happen After LASIK
Even with proper preparation, temporary dryness is one of the most common after-effects of LASIK. This occurs because the procedure temporarily affects the corneal nerves that regulate tear production. Most patients improve within weeks, with complete recovery over a few months. Artificial tears usually provide effective relief during this period.
If dryness lingers beyond the expected healing window, our team will tailor a treatment plan to restore comfort and maintain clear vision.
Your Path to Clearer Vision with Healthy Eyes
Healthy eyes produce the best LASIK results. Addressing dryness before surgery helps ensure sharper vision, quicker healing, and lasting comfort. At New York Laser Vision, Dr. Giyaur and our experienced team are committed to optimizing every aspect of your eye health for safe, exceptional outcomes.
If you’re considering LASIK in Manhattan or Brooklyn, schedule your consultation today. We’ll guide you through every step, from evaluation to recovery, to help you achieve your clearest vision yet.
