Dry Eye Strategies for Lasik Patients

5 Essential Tips to Protect Your Eyes After Lasik Surgery

Lasik surgery can dramatically improve your vision, but post-surgery care is crucial for protecting your eyes, preventing dryness, and ensuring the best possible results. Here are five essential strategies to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable after Lasik.

1. Use EyeOasis Sleeping Tape at Night

After Lasik, your eyes are more prone to dryness, especially while sleeping. Traditional sleeping masks often shift or fail to create a secure seal, which can leave your eyes exposed. EyeOasis Sleeping Tape gently seals your eyelids, preventing moisture loss and protecting your eyes overnight.

This simple nightly step helps:
1. Retain natural tear film
2. Reduce irritation and dryness
3. Support overall eye healing

Many patients notice improved comfort throughout the night simply by using a product designed for a secure, gentle eyelid seal.

2. Practice Healthy Blink and Eye Habits

Good daily eye habits are key to maintaining moisture and reducing strain post-Lasik:
1. Blink fully and frequently, especially during screen use. Blinking distributes natural tears across the eye surface.
2. 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce strain.
3. Gentle eyelid massages help stimulate natural oil glands, promoting tear stability and comfort.
4. Avoid rubbing your eyes — this can disrupt healing and increase irritation.

These small habits protect your eyes and reduce the risk of dryness while supporting recovery.

3. Use Lubricating Drops or Ointments

After Lasik, artificial tears or gels are often necessary to maintain moisture:
1. Use preservative-free lubricating drops multiple times a day.
2. Thicker ointments can be applied overnight for maximum hydration.
3. Make sure drops are safe for post-Lasik eyes; ask your surgeon for specific recommendations.

Keeping your eyes hydrated prevents discomfort, reduces dryness, and helps your eyes heal more comfortably.

4. Protect Your Eyes from Environmental Factors

Post-Lasik eyes are sensitive to wind, dust, and dry air. Protective measures include:
1. Wearing sunglasses outdoors to block wind, UV rays, and debris.
2. Using humidifiers indoors to maintain moisture in dry environments.
3. Avoiding smoke, air vents, or fans that blow directly into your eyes.

Creating a protective environment reduces irritation and supports long-term eye health.

5. Follow Up With Your Eye Doctor

Even with all these precautions, regular check-ins with your ophthalmologist are essential:
1. Report any persistent dryness, redness, or discomfort.
2. Ask about specialized drops or treatments if needed.
3. Only consider additional procedures if recommended by your doctor.

The goal is to recover fully while maintaining comfort, avoiding unnecessary complications, and optimizing your vision results.