Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Using Preservative-Free Eye Drops After LASIK
Most doctors recommend using preservative-free eye drops after LASIK eye surgery. That’s because dealing with dry eyes is a pretty standard part of post-operative care for LASIK eye surgery. But why exactly should you use preservative-free eye drops after LASIK surgery, as opposed to other types of eye drops?
Discover the ins and outs of using eye drops after LASIK surgery and why preservative-free eye drops are your best choice.
Why should you use preservative free eye drops after LASIK?
You don’t technically have to use preservative-free eye drops, but preservative-free eye drops are definitely the best artificial tears to use after LASIK in terms of what’s best for your eye health.
Some companies use preservatives in their eyedrops to prevent a deterioration of the artificial tear and to keep your eyes free from contamination. While that may sound good on the outset, those same preservatives are toxic to your eye and cause irritation and inflammation.
Recently, some companies have begun selling drops that claim to be “preservative free on contact.” These companies argue that the toxins in the preservative disappear quickly enough to not affect the eye. In reality, the dissipation of the toxins in these drops relies on several factors (ambient light, for example), and if any of these factors is missing, the toxins remain in your eye.
In short, the toxins in eye drops with preservatives can undo the healing and relief you’re trying to achieve. Since your eyes are especially sensitive post-op, truly preservative-free eye drops are the best artificial tears after LASIK.
How often should I use artificial tears after LASIK?
Let’s say you’ve read our post on how to prepare for LASIK and have diligently gone out and gotten the preservative-free eye drops after LASIK. Now what?
Every eye patient is different, but most patients will receive prescription eye drops to take directly before and after their LASIK surgery. After the first day, you can use preservative-free eye drops after LASIK as much as you would like. The standard recommended usage is 4 times a day.
How long after LASIK can I stop using eye drops?
We are often asked how long to use preservative-free eye drops after LASIK. Our typical answer? It depends. Every LASIK patient experiences different levels of dryness and can use preservative-free eye drops after LASIK until the dryness abates. However, if you experience extreme and persistent dryness, do bring it to the attention of your doctor.
If you plan on wearing contacts after LASIK, note that there are also types of contacts that can help reduce dryness!
Depend on Eye Center of Texas for all your LASIK questions & needs
Using preservative-free eye drops after LASIK surgery is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to best practices for pre- and post-op LASIK eye surgery care. Here at Eye Center of Texas, you will receive not only some of the best LASIK in Houston, but some of the best tips and advice, too.
With over 75,000 successful LASIK procedures to our name, you can rest assured that your vision is in good hands at Eye Center of Texas. Call us at 713-395-1515 or request an appointment online today for a LASIK consultation.
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