Do You Get Dry Eyes After Refractive Surgery?
Patients who are interested in vision correction surgery may have seen warnings about dry eyes after refractive surgery while researching procedures. While surgeries like LASIK and PRK are generally safe and yield high patient satisfaction rates, they do have potential risks and side effects.
As a trusted partner for LASIK and alternative laser eye surgeries in Houston, the ophthalmologists at Eye Center of Texas are here to walk you through the risks of dry eyes after LASIK and PRK as well as offer an alternative option for those who want the freedom that vision correction surgery provides without the risk of dry eyes.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eyes are caused when tears are unable to properly provide moisture. There can be many reasons someone would suffer from dry eyes including allergies, hormonal changes, aging, and autoimmune disease. Dry eyes are a common discomfort regardless of whether or not you’ve had eye surgery but, can eye surgery make this discomfort worse?
Does laser eye surgery make your eyes dry?
Not always, but it surely can! In fact, dry eye syndrome is one of the most commonly reported side effects of LASIK eye surgery. Why does LASIK cause dry eyes? Because some of the nerves in your cornea are cut during the procedure, the eye’s ability to sense when they need more moisture is reduced. They are therefore unable to tell the brain that you need to produce more tears, resulting in dry eyes.
How long do dry eyes last after surgery?
The length of time it takes for your eyes to return to a normal, moistened state will depend on each individual patient. However, studies have shown that most patients will recover from signs of dry eyes six months to one-year post-surgery. To improve symptoms of dry eyes, you can try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or artificial tears and stay hydrated. Learn more about how to get rid of dry eyes here.
Dry eyes after LASIK
As mentioned above, dry eyes are one of the most common complaints during the LASIK recovery period. According to a study done by the FDA, 30% of LASIK patients who did not suffer from dry eyes prior to the procedure experienced temporary dry eyes in the first 6 to 12 months or until their corneal nerves heal.
That said, patients who already suffer from dry eye syndrome, women (due to hormonal changes) and patients with high prescriptions are most at risk for dry eyes during the LASIK recovery period.
Dry eyes after PRK
Similarly to LASIK, the photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedure involves surgically manipulating the cornea. During PRK your eye surgeon uses a laser to remove the top layer of your cornea in order to reshape refractive errors that cause blurred vision. During this process, corneal nerves may be cut causing an inability for the tear glands to get the message that your eyes are dry. Like LASIK, patients may experience dry eyes until their corneal nerves have fully healed.
Is there a better option for dry eyes than LASIK?
Although there is a risk of developing dry eyes after refractive surgery, most patients only experience it temporarily and are able to treat symptoms at home with lubricating drops or artificial tears. But if you already suffer from dry eyes and are concerned about aggravating your condition, there is an alternative to LASIK and PRK that doesn’t come with the risk.
That alternative is the breakthrough vision corrective procedure called EVO Visian ICL.
Rather than reshaping the cornea, EVO Visian ICL implants an artificial lens into your eye through a small hole to correct common refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) and nearsightedness with astigmatism. This lens is made of biocompatible Collamer that works with your eyes to provide almost immediate vision improvement the same day as your procedure.
Because the EVO Visian ICL procedure does not involve cutting a corneal flap or using a laser to remove the top layer of your cornea, no nerves are damaged and the procedure will not cause dry eyes — making it a great alternative option for anyone looking for visual freedom without the risk of dry, itchy eyes.
Eye Center of Texas is here to meet your vision needs!
Whether you’re looking for the best LASIK in Houston or are concerned about developing dry eyes after refractive surgery and want to learn more about the groundbreaking EVO Visian ICL procedure, the top rated eye surgeons at Eye Center of Texas can help you receive your best vision with the ideal refractive surgery for you.
Take the first step on your path to clear vision. Give us a call at (713) 797-1010 or schedule an appointment online today!
More Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:
- What Are The Three Types of Cataracts?
- How to Relieve Contact Lens Intolerance
- EVO Visian ICL: The Latest in Refractive Surgery
- The Difference Between EVO Visian ICL and Toric ICL
- How to Find A Glaucoma Specialist in Houston
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Dry Eyes at Night: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Most people have a basic idea of what causes dry eyes during the day but are stumped when it comes to identifying what causes dry eyes at night. What is it about the nighttime that causes so many people to experience an uptick in dry eye symptoms?
As it turns out, a surprising multitude of factors can contribute to patients experiencing dry eyes at night. Discover the reasons you may be waking up with dry, gritty eyes—and what you can do to find relief.
Understanding dry eye syndrome
Before we get into the specifics of dry eyes at night, it’s important that we cover the basics of daytime dry eye syndrome. That’s because, more often than not, daytime eye dryness contributes to patients having dry eyes at night.
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes are not receiving adequate moisture in the form of tears. Tears actually have a very specific composition; they must contain the right amounts of water, mucus, oils, and antibodies to keep your eyes covered in an even and safe lubricated coat.
When something affects the rate at which tears are produced, the rate at which tears evaporate, and the composition of the tears, dry eye syndrome can occur. In other words, dry eye syndrome is typically caused by either one or a combination of the following issues:
- Tears evaporating too quickly
- Not enough tears being produced (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
- A change in tear composition.
For more information on what environmental elements, risk factors, medications, diseases, and other conditions contribute to these three problems, please read our comprehensive article: Dry Eye Syndrome.
Dry eye syndrome symptoms
When these aberrations occur, patients are likely to experience eye discomfort (including itching, burning, and grittiness), redness, and light sensitivity.
In some cases, these conditions will “send out a signal” for more moisture, and the body will “respond” by “sending” additional tears. However, these tears will not have the same consistency as lubricating tears. As a result, those who suffer from dry eyes may actually have excessively watery eyes.
A brief note on LASIK and dry eyes
Laser eye procedures such as LASIK and PRK can also cause daytime dry eyes. While it’s common for patients to experience dry eyes after LASIK, this issue typically resolves within a month. In the meantime, your LASIK doctor will likely recommend either OTC, preservative-free eye drops after LASIK or a prescription variant.
Why is dry eye worse at night?
Wind, smoke, dry air—all of these contributing factors to dry eyes occur during the daytime. Are there any conditions in particular that lead to dry eyes at night? As a matter of fact, yes—and more than you might suspect.
Nocturnal lagophthalmos: Nocturnal lagophthalmos is your body’s inability to close the eyelids completely while you’re sleeping. It’s thought to be caused primarily by weaknesses in the facial nerves, particularly the seventh cranial nerve. If you sleep with your eyes half-open, the extra exposure of the surface of your eye to air may be causing your tears to evaporate at a faster rate than normal.
Changes in nighttime metabolism: At night, your body’s metabolism slows down and your blood pressure drops naturally. While these important changes allow your organs to rest, they can also contribute to dry eyes at night; decreased organ function means the production of fewer tears, and lower blood pressure means your eyes are receiving fewer nutrients via blood circulation.
Nighttime technology hygiene: If you’re accustomed to scrolling through Instagram to help you wind down or to falling asleep to Netflix, this extra screen time could be contributing to your dry eyes. We blink at a lower rate while looking at screens. Since blinking replenishes the lubricating layer of tears to your eyes, staring at your phone, TV, or computer for long periods can lead to eye strain and dry eyes both during the day and at night. For more info, read up on eye damage from cell phone use.
Inadequate sleep: Not getting enough sleep? Your eyes may be suffering along with the rest of your body. Your eyes need rest and benefit from a break from exposure to the air. Inadequate sleep can worsen dry eyes at night, especially if you’re staying up watching TV or if you already struggle with dry eyes during the day.
Allergies: While they do so in different ways than described above, allergies can also cause dry eyes. Check your bedroom for allergens—detergents used to wash the sheets, dust, mold, or letting pets sleep in your bed can all trigger allergies.
Air conditioning/dry air: Houstonians love their air conditioning, and for good reason. But if your air conditioner is on at full power and/or blowing directly at your face, it may be contributing to nighttime eye dryness. In much the same way, cold, dry weather can also contribute to dry eyes at night.
Is it dangerous to have dry eyes at night
While the occasional bout with dry eyes at night won’t have long term effects, chronic dry eyes can lead to complications in eye health. From blurred vision to light sensitivity and increased susceptibility to infections, scratches, and corneal abrasions, it’s best not to dismiss your chronic dry eyes as an irritating inconvenience.
For more information on these potential side effects, check out our articles What Is A Corneal Abrasion? and Why Are My Eyes Red All The Time?
What is the best treatment for dry eyes?
Depending on the severity and frequency of your experience with dry eyes at night, you may find relief by following simple home tips for dry eye relief. Those looking for how to cure dry eyes permanently may want to take a more long-term, clinical approach.
Home remedies for dry eyes at night
- Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops designed specifically for nighttime use
- Turn down the A/C (or turn it away from your face) and/or invest in a humidifier
- Commit to making an allergen-free bedroom
- Apply a warm (not hot) compress before sleeping to help retain moisture
- Warm compresses and lid scrubs can also help rid your eyelids of irritants and reduce inflammation
- Use a sleep mask or special eye tape to limit your eyes’ exposure to the air
- Limit the use of technology before bed
- Switch from contacts to glasses several hours before bedtime
- Switch to specialty contact lenses such as Scleral lenses, which are designed to keep the eye lubricated
Clinical treatments for dry eyes at night
- Prescription eye drops such as Restasis or Xiidra
- Punctal occlusion: In-office closing the duct that drains away tears
- True Tear: Use of a device that induces natural tear production via stimulation of nasal nerves
- Autologous serum tears: Tears made from a patient’s own blood serum—ideal for patients who have treatment-resistant dry eyes
- LipiFlow: Removing blockage from the meibomian glands, which produce the oil in your tears
- BlephEX: In-office cleaning of the lashes and eyelids
Don’t let dry eyes keep you awake at night. Call Eye Center of Texas.
Dealing with dry eyes at night can be both frustrating and exhausting. If home remedies aren’t effectively treating your dry eyes, call Eye Center of Texas. Our doctors and surgeons will walk you through your options and help you find the right solution for relief from nighttime dry eyes.
Wake up without feeling the irritation of dry eyes. To request an appointment, give Eye Center of Texas a call at 713-797-1010 or contact us online today.
More Helpful Resources From Eye Center of Texas:
- Knowing When to Have Cataract Surgery
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Dry Eye Syndrome
Your quick guide to dry eye causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment
Dry eye syndrome, also called “dry eyes,” is a common condition caused by a lack of adequate moisture in your eyes. According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, the likelihood of experiencing dry eyes increases with age, and dry eyes affect nearly twice as many women as men.
Is it dangerous to have dry eyes? While it may be easy to overlook the burning and itching caused by dry eye syndrome, if left untreated, dry eyes can eventually lead to great discomfort. In extreme cases, dry eyes may cause vision loss due to a scratched and/or scarred cornea (For more information, read our blog post to discover “What are the symptoms of a scratched cornea?)
Learn more about what causes dry eye syndrome, how to identify dry eye symptoms and risk factors, and what treatment options are available.
What causes eye dryness?
Tears are meant for more than crying; they also help keep your eyes healthy and lubricated. If your eyes aren’t be moisturized well enough by your tears for whatever reason, your likelihood of having dry eyes increases significantly. Dry eyes are most frequently the result of three different types of tear-related issues:
- Decrease in tear production
- Excessive tear evaporation
- Variance in a patient’s normal tear composition.
Decreased tear production causes and risk factors
Age is the most frequent contributor to decreased tear production. Age-related decrease in tear production typically begins after age 50. But what does our age have to do with our tears?
Our hormones continue to shift as we get older, including those that help regulate tear production. Women, who have a higher susceptibility to dry eye syndrome, also undergo more hormonal shifts than men (during both pregnancy and menopause). These shifts in hormones can cause a decrease in tear production.
Other risk factors for decreased production of tears include:
- Health conditions
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, rosacea, Sjӧgren’s syndrome. (These disorders can target the surface the eye, causing inflammation and dry eyes.)
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Thyroid disorders
- Medications
- Birth control and acne medication
- Antihistamines and decongestants
- Depression and anxiety medications
- Diuretics and beta-blockers
- Sleeping pills
- Medications for Parkinson’s disease
- Damaged tear glands
- Laser eye surgery such as LASIK, typically a temporary side effect. Read our posts about contacts after LASIK and dry eyes and LASIK eye drops for more information.
Excessive tear evaporation causes and risk factors
The culprits by excessive tear evaporation are often either the condition of the air in your environment or a decrease in your regular amount of blinking due to concentration. Dry air, smoke-filled air, or high winds can all contribute to dry eyes, as can spending extended periods at the computer, behind the wheel, or with your nose in a book, during which you are less likely to blink.
Read our posts on eye damage from cell phone use and avoiding eye strain for more information on issues regarding dry eyes and blinking.
Other risk factors for decreased production of tears include:
- Overwearing your contact lenses
- Air conditioning and fans which, like wind, can decrease humidity and worsen symptoms.
- Ectropion (out-turning of the eyelids) or entropion (in-turning of the lids)
Causes and risk factors for a disparity in average tear composition
Tears are not made of water alone. In fact, tears are comprised of three main elements — water, oil, and mucus. If your tears are missing any one of these elements, the surface of the eye will likely not receive enough moisture, which in turn can cause dry eyes. The risk factors and causes of inadequate tears often go hand in hand.
Risk factors for inadequate ears include:
- Clogging or blocking meibomian glands (also called tarsal glands), oil glands found on the rim of the eyelid
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Overwearing your contact lenses
- Being older than 50
- Being a woman
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome vary widely and differ from person to person. For some, these symptoms can remain unpronounced (and easy to ignore) for some time. Neglecting to seek treatment, however, is typically unwise. When it comes to taking care of your eyes and your vision, it’s almost always better to go get your eyes checked — to be safe rather than sorry.
Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:
- Itching, burning, scratching, and stinging sensations
- Light sensitivity
- Redness (typically blepharitis, a type of eye inflammation)
- Excessively watery eyes
- Eye discomfort and/or intermittent eye pain
- The sensation of having a foreign body in the eye
- Blurry vision or fluctuating vision capacity
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty driving at night
Dry eye syndrome treatment
How do you get rid of dry eyes? Luckily, there are many, many treatment options for dry eye syndrome. Even if your dry eyes don’t respond to simple home remedies for dry eyes such as using a humidifier (to add moisture to the air) or taking breaks from your screen, you have plenty of treatment alternatives to choose from.
The type of treatment you choose will depend on the frequency and severity of your dry eye syndrome. No eyes are the same (dry or otherwise) so it’s smart to consult with your doctor about which type of treatment will be best for your eyes.
Treatments for dry eye syndrome include:
- Artificial tears: Artificial tears, generally available without a prescription, can provide temporary relief from dry eye syndrome. Artificial tears are adequate for mild dry eyes, but if symptoms are not relieved with artificial tears alone, more treatment may be necessary.
- Restasis or Xiidra: In addition to artificial tears, your eye care professional might recommend the daily use of a prescription drop, such as Restasis or Xiidra. These medications reduce the inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome and help your eye produce more natural tears. Symptom relief with these medications is not immediate; it may take up to three months for you to notice improvement.
- Punctal plugs: Punctal plugs (also called punctum plugs, lacrimal plugs, or tear duct plugs) are small devices that can be inserted into your tear ducts, helping tears stay on the surface of your eye longer periods of time. A punctal plug procedure can be completed in-office.
- Supplements: Omega-3 supplements have historically been recommended to help with dry eye symptoms. There is, however, controversy over their efficacy.
- Eyelid hygiene: Keeping the eyelids clean and healthy can help reduce eye inflammation. Many eye care professionals recommend warm compresses and lid scrubs for at-home eye maintenance.
- BlephEx: BlephEx is a quick in-office procedure that cleans they eyelids and eyelashes.
- LipiFlow: LipiFlow is another simple in-office procedure that clears clogged meibomian glands (the oil glands found on the rims of your eyelids).
- True Tear: True Tear is new device designed to stimulate natural tear production. Your own tears are released through simple and painless stimulation of the nerves in the nose. This treatment is a great option for patients who prefer to reduce their intake of medications or their use of eyedrops.
- Autologous Serum Tears: These eye drops are made from your own blood serum and can be an ideal option for those who have severe dry eye that doesn’t respond to other treatment.
- Specialty contact lenses: These specially designed contact lenses cover the eye and keep it moist. Scleral lenses are a popular option for more severe forms of dry eye syndrome.
Say goodbye to dry eyes at Eye Center of Texas
Whether your dry eyes are a result of medications, a health condition, or simply age, it’s best not to ignore your symptoms. The sooner you address your dry eyes, the sooner you’ll find relief, and the less likely your dry eyes will become a greater nuisance to you in the future.
Dry eye syndrome may be a common condition, but it’s also a highly treatable condition. With experienced doctors and six convenient locations, Eye Center of Texas has everything you need to find relief from dry eyes in safety and comfort.
Call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010, or schedule an appointment online today.
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Happy JulEYE – Dry Eye Awareness Month
Dry Eye signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include:
- A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- A sensation of having something in your eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Periods of excessive tearing
- Blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period.
- Poor tear quality
- Decreased tear production
- Older than 50
- Postmenopausal women
- Eyelid problems (Blinking spreads a continuous thin film of tears across the surface of your eyes. If you have an eyelid problem that makes it difficult to blink, tears may not be spread across your eye adequately or your tears may evaporate too quickly, causing dry eyes).
- Medications
- Medical Conditions (such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and thyroid disorders).
- LASIK surgery
- Wind
- Dry air
- Tasks that require enough concentration that you blink less often, such as working at a computer, driving or reading.
Tests used to determine the cause of your dry eyes may include:
- A comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam that includes a complete history of your overall health and your eye health can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your dry eyes.
- Measuring the volume of your tears. Your doctor may measure your tear production. In this test, blotting strips of paper are placed under your lower eyelids. After five minutes your doctor measures the amount of strip soaked by your tears.
- Determining the quality of your tears. Other tests use special dyes in eye drops to determine the surface condition of your eyes. Your doctor looks for staining patterns on the corneas and measures how long it takes before your tears evaporate.
Because doctor appointments can be brief, and because there’s often a lot of ground to cover, it’s a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment.
- Write down any symptoms you’re experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including any recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you’re taking.
What you can do in the meantime:
*To relieve your signs and symptoms while you wait for your appointment, try over-the-counter eye drops. Look for lubricating eye drops and avoid those that reduce redness in the eyes. Eye drops that reduce eye redness can cause additional eye irritation.
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Our Locations
Houston/Bellaire
6565 W. Loop S., Suite 650Bellaire, TX 77401
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
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Fax: 713-357-7278
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Sugar land
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Medical Office:
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Medical Fax:
281-277-4504
Clear Lake
455 E. Medical Center Blvd., Suite 110Webster, TX 77598
Medical Office:
281-332-1397
Medical Fax:
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Katy
Greenhouse Medical Plaza2051 Greenhouse Road, Suite 110
Houston, TX 77084
Medical Office:
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Medical Fax:
713-357-7276
The Woodlands/Conroe
100 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 118Conroe, TX 77304
Medical Office:
713-797-1010
Medical Fax:
936-647-1620
