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How Do I Choose the Best Eye Drops for LASIK?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Your doctor will likely give you advice on choosing the best eye drops for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. You may need drops that will replenish the moisture in your eyes to promote healing and to alleviate any discomfort you may be having. The drops may also be medicated. If you are not given prescriptions eye drops for LASIK surgery recovery, you can also find artificial tears in most pharmacies.

LASIK surgery is a procedure performed on the eyes using lasers. It is used to help correct certain vision problems. In most cases, it is a fairly minor procedure when done by an experienced practitioner. You may experience a little discomfort when it's complete and you may have to keep your eyes shielded from light for several hours post-operation.

Anatomy of the human eye.
Anatomy of the human eye.

In most cases you will be given eye drops for LASIK surgery shortly after your operation. You may begin using a medicated drop that helps promote healing and keeps the eyes moisturized and comfortable. If you have any problems with the eye drops you are given initially, discuss making changes with your doctor. He or she can probably given you an alternate prescription or provide additional eye drops to help alleviate any symptoms you are still having.

Eye drops.
Eye drops.

After you have completed your recommended prescription eye drops for LASIK post-surgery treatment, you can purchase additional drops over the counter in your local pharmacy. There are a wide range of drops sold, and each has a specific purpose. Read labels carefully to ensure that the product you are buying is intended to help with whatever symptoms you may be having. Most drops will add moisture to the eyes, but some have added medication which may help with redness, pain, irritation, or other discomfort.

Artificial tears can help eyes stay moist after LASIK.
Artificial tears can help eyes stay moist after LASIK.

If you are still unsure of using eye drops for LASIK surgery-related pain relief, consult with your doctor or pharmacist. He or she will give you recommendations for over the counter drops you may use, or you may get another prescription if symptoms are more severe. In most cases, eye drops will not be necessary long-term if your surgery went well. Recovery is typically relatively quick for LASIK surgery, although each individual case will vary depending on the type of surgery and your unique circumstances.

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    • Anatomy of the human eye.
      Anatomy of the human eye.
    • Eye drops.
      By: Vladyslav Danilin
      Eye drops.
    • Artificial tears can help eyes stay moist after LASIK.
      By: alco81
      Artificial tears can help eyes stay moist after LASIK.
    • LASIK surgery aims to correct certain vision problems.
      By: Monkey Business
      LASIK surgery aims to correct certain vision problems.
    • Consulting a doctor or pharmacist may help patients choose the right eye drops.
      By: Monkey Business
      Consulting a doctor or pharmacist may help patients choose the right eye drops.