Can You Get LASIK If You Have Dry Eyes? What You Need to Know

Dry eye is one of the most common issues people experience with their eyes. It can also be a complication after LASIK, but it may not disqualify you from getting the procedure. If you struggle with dry eyes, your eye surgeon will determine whether LASIK is the right choice for you or recommend another option. 

How Does LASIK Work?

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a popular laser vision correction procedure designed to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. 

The surgery reshapes the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, to improve how light is focused onto the retina. This process helps achieve sharper, clearer vision with less need for glasses or contacts.

During LASIK, a thin flap is created on the cornea’s surface. The flap is lifted to allow a laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. After reshaping, the flap is carefully replaced. 

Can You Get LASIK If You Have Dry Eyes?

Dry eye is a concern when considering LASIK because the surgery can temporarily disrupt corneal nerves that play a role in tear production and eye lubrication. For many patients, dry eyes are a temporary side effect of LASIK, but they resolve over time. If you already suffer from dry eyes before LASIK, this condition might be worsened temporarily or, in some cases, permanently.

However, not all dry eye conditions are the same. If your dry eyes are mild and well-managed, you might still be eligible for LASIK. 

It is crucial to have a thorough eye exam to assess the severity of dry eye and the health of your ocular surface before proceeding. In cases of moderate to severe dry eye, your surgeon might recommend treating the dry eye first or suggest alternative vision correction options.

Best Vision Correction Options for Dry Eyes

Other effective vision correction procedures tend to be gentler on the ocular surface and less likely to worsen dry eye symptoms:

• EVO ICL™ (Implantable Collamer® Lens): This procedure involves implanting a biocompatible lens inside the eye without altering the cornea. 

Since no corneal tissue is removed or reshaped, EVO ICL does not affect the corneal nerves responsible for tear production, making it a safe and comfortable choice for patients with dry eyes.

• SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): SMILE uses a laser to create a small incision and remove a lenticule, a tiny piece of corneal tissue, without creating a flap. 

Because this procedure is less invasive to corneal nerves than LASIK, it tends to result in fewer dry eye symptoms.

• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK removes the corneal surface layer rather than creating a flap. Although recovery takes longer than LASIK, PRK typically has a lower risk of dry eye after surgery because corneal nerves are less disrupted.

Each of these options provides excellent vision correction and can be tailored to your specific eye health and lifestyle needs.

Am I a Good Candidate for Alternatives to LASIK?

If you have chronic dry eyes, thin corneas, or other ocular surface issues, EVO ICL™, SMILE, or PRK may be better suited for your eyes. Candidates for these alternatives typically:

• Have moderate to severe dry eye symptoms
  
• Are not ideal LASIK candidates due to corneal thickness or shape
  
• Want a long-term vision correction option without worsening dry eye
  
• Have healthy eyes overall with no active infections or inflammation
  

A comprehensive eye exam with your surgeon at Visionmax Eye Centre will help determine the best option based on your individual needs.

How Long Will My Vision Correction Results Last?

Vision correction results from EVO ICL™, SMILE, and PRK are designed to be long-lasting. EVO ICL™ is a permanent implant, but can be removed or replaced if desired. SMILE and PRK reshape the cornea permanently. 

While these procedures correct refractive errors effectively, natural age-related changes such as presbyopia may still occur later in life, affecting near vision.

With proper eye care and regular check-ups, your vision correction can provide clear sight for many years.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about whether LASIK is a good option for people with dry eyes, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (866) 458-1545. We look forward to helping you!