While the Lasik surgery goes on, the patient is given the anaesthetic drop, an anti-inflammatory steroid drop and an antibiotic drop. After the surgery, the anti-inflammatory drops and antibiotic drops need to be continued for first week, four times a day. In case intralase laser flap creation is performed during the procedure, every hour, anti-inflammatory steroid drop should be taken on the first day after surgery, while awake. A preservative-free artificial tear drops also have to be taken every half hour, on the surgical procedure day and evening.
Why Artificial Tears?
The reason is simple and clear. After the Lasik surgery recovery needs continuous lubrication of the eyes and this purpose can be served with the artificial tears. Artificial tears are considered for the recovery after the Lasik procedure, as they help treating the dryness and also irritation, in relation with the deficient production of tears. They function as supplements with other kinds of treatments in dry eyes in varied forms, from moderate to severe. There is a small difference between the natural tears and artificial tears. Artificial tears contain polymers, salts mixed in water and natural tears contain proteins also in addition. If the artificial tears have to be used regularly below three hours of gap, they should contain no preservatives and even it contains the preservatives, the preservative must be non-irritating. These tears may blur the vision temporarily, if thick or denser.
In certain unusual circumstances, such as a particle of dust or eyelash getting in the eye, after a first few weeks of the Lasik procedure, artificial tears can flush the dust particles from the eyes. It prevents from rubbing the eyes.
Apart from the artificial tears, antibiotic eye drops are also advised to use to prevent any further possible infection.
How Long?
During the follow-up visits you will be advised about how many more days you have to take continue the drops to lubricate the eyes, based on the condition of recovery, by your Lasik surgeon. Most often, the artificial tears are advised to take four times in one day and it should continue for three months after the surgery. Based on different kinds of Lasik surgeries, sometimes the patient even has to apply 8 times a day with the gap of 2 hours.