How to treat dry eyes after LASIK
Dry eyes are one of the most common side effects after LASIK. The good news? It's temporary for most people—and treatable.
At Atlantic Eye Laser Centre, we help patients manage and minimise dryness so healing stays smooth and comfortable. Here’s what you need to know.
Why dry eyes happen after LASIK
LASIK reshapes the front surface of your eye. During the process, some of the nerves that tell your brain to make tears get disrupted. This reduces tear production for a little while.
That’s why many people notice their eyes feel dry, gritty or a bit uncomfortable for a few weeks—or even a few months—after the procedure.
Signs of dry eyes
- Scratchy or gritty feeling
- Mild burning or stinging
- Redness
- Blurry vision that improves with blinking
How to treat dry eyes
1. Lubricating eye drops
Use preservative-free artificial tears several times a day. This is the first and most important step. Your eye doctor will guide you on how often.
2. Prescription drops
If dryness continues beyond the first month, we may prescribe anti-inflammatory drops or medications to boost tear production.
3. Omega-3 supplements
Fish oil supplements can improve the quality of your tears and help reduce inflammation.
4. Warm compresses
Gently applying warmth to your eyelids can stimulate the glands that produce the oily layer of your tears.
5. Punctal plugs
In some cases, tiny plugs can be placed in your tear ducts to help keep tears on your eyes longer.
Most important: Stay consistent
Treating dry eyes is about consistency. Even if you feel better, keep up your drops and other steps to support long-term healing.
When to call us
If dry eyes are bothering you or affecting your vision, let us know. We can tailor your treatment plan and help you stay on track.
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Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan
I’m proud to be the founder of both Atlantic Eye Centre, an eye specialist centre, and LIQID Medical Pty, a biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and receive awards during my specialist training.
With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing dedicated, patient-centred care.
Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.
My goal is for every patient to feel genuinely informed, comfortable, and well cared for – from their first conversation right through to their last post-operative visit.
Dr Daemon McClunan
MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)
