Although custom LASIK is one of the safest surgical procedures in all of medicine with one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction, no surgery is without its potential risks and side effects. In the case of custom LASIK, the most common side effect is dry eye.
Dr. Raul “Raulito” Peña discusses the issue of IntraLASIK and dry eye during the initial consultation so that patients understand all of the risks as well as the benefits associated with the procedure before committing to surgery. Dr. Peña helps to minimize the risk of dry eye by carefully screening patients during the consultation phase, recommending alternative procedures such as custom PRK to patients who suffer from chronic dry eye syndrome. He further minimizes risks by using the most advanced vision technology available today.
Are you a good candidate for IntraLASIK? Find out by scheduling your initial consultation with renowned eye surgeon Raul “Raulito” Peña today.
Can LASIK Cause Dry Eye?
Although dry eye is the most common side effect of LASIK, it should be noted that not all patients who undergo IntraLASIK will experience dry eye. There are, however, patients who are more likely to experience post-LASIK dry eye than others. These patients include:
- Patients with a high degree of myopia (nearsightedness)
- Women who have gone through menopause
- People who already have chronic dry eye syndrome
- Patients who take medications that decrease eye moisture
- People with autoimmune diseases
Dr. Peña will take a full medical history during your initial consultation. If you fall into any of the above categories, you may be at higher risk for developing post-surgical dry eye; however, that in itself will not preclude you from undergoing IntraLASIK. Modern custom LASIK has made the procedure safer than ever, reducing all risks associated with the procedure, including dry eye. The available treatments for dry eye have also improved. Dr. Peña will take many factors into account in determining your candidacy for IntraLASIK.
In most cases, post-LASIK dry eye is mild and temporary. It can generally be treated with prescription eye drops. Dr. Peña may also recommend punctal plugs or anti-inflammatory medications. If you are at risk of post-procedural dry eye, he may commence treatment for dry eye prior to your LASIK surgery, even if you don’t actively suffer from the condition.
At Peña Eye Institute, nothing is more important to us than the safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction of our patients. We will do everything in our power to ensure that you are pleased with the results of your custom LASIK surgery and that your recovery from LASIK is comfortable.
Learn More about IntraLASIK
If you would like to learn more about IntraLASIK or you want to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Raul Peña, please contact Peña Eye Institute today!
