LASIK is a laser-assisted refractive surgery used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. After LASIK surgery, up to 95% of people may experience dry eye syndrome, and 60% may still feel eye dryness one month post-surgery. Certain over-the-counter eye drops not only provide relief for symptoms of dry eyes but also help prevent eye infections and inflammation. It is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist before using non-prescription eye drops. This article recommends four types of eye drops suitable for dry eye syndrome and for post-LASIK use.
| Product/Ingredient: | No Preservative | Clinically Tested |
|---|---|---|
| SYSTANE ULTRA Polyethylene glycol 0.4% Propylene glycol 0.3% | ||
| Refresh Optive Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium 0.5% Glycerin 0.9% | ||
| Optase Dry Eye Intense Glycerin 0.2% | ||
| GenTeal Tears Gel Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.3% |
Systane Ultra: clinically validated formula
Systane Ultra has over 10 years of clinical validation. Its primary lubricating components, polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, can safely and effectively relieve the burning and irritation caused by dry eye syndrome. Studies have shown that Systane Ultra has significant efficacy in relieving dryness, roughness, and burning sensation in the eyes. [1] Trusted Website NCBI, US National Center for Biotechnology Information, is a trusted source of biotechnology and biomedicine information. Open the link →
0.7ml x 60
Polyethylene glycol 0.4%
Propylene glycol 0.3%
Pros:
- Leaves no blurry feeling after use.
- Supported by clinical research on its effectiveness.
- Suitable for contact lens wearers.
- No preservatives.
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Some customers have provided feedback on the packaging quality not being very good.
Systane Ultra has a unique mechanism of action. It not only increases the thickness of the tear film but also forms a protective gel matrix to effectively prevent eye dryness.
Systane Ultra outperforms many similar products in terms of lubricating the eyes and reducing conjunctival and corneal staining, which is an indicator used by ophthalmologists to assess the severity of dry eye syndrome. Additionally, its low viscosity means that it does not cause blurred vision or extra friction in the eyes when applying or blinking.
This eye drop is suitable for post-LASIK use as well as for contact lens wearers. It does not contain preservatives, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive eyes.
The manufacturer, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., is a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of eye care products. They offer a wide range of eye care products, including surgical equipment, contact lenses, and ophthalmic medications for treating various eye conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, eye infections, allergies, and inflammation. Alcon also provides ophthalmic surgical equipment, including laser and transplantation devices, as well as equipment for cataract surgery and retinal surgery.
Refresh Optive: designed for post-lasik care
Refresh Optive is an eye drop specifically designed for post-LASIK use. It contains two active ingredients: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (0.5%) and Glycerin (0.9%). Research has shown that Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium effectively alleviates dry eye symptoms after LASIK surgery. It also provides excellent relief for non-surgical dry eye conditions. [2] Trusted Website NCBI, US National Center for Biotechnology Information, is a trusted source of biotechnology and biomedicine information. Open the link →
0.01 oz x 30
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%
Glycerin 0.9%
Advantages:
- Specifically designed for individuals who have undergone LASIK surgery but also suitable for those without surgery but experiencing dry eye symptoms.
- Suitable for sensitive eyes.
- Fast-acting.
Disadvantages:
- Single-use packaging may result in waste.
- Some customers have provided feedback that the duration of effectiveness is relatively short.
This eye drop comes in individual packaging, with each vial designed for single-use, ensuring hygiene and convenience for carrying. The formula is gentle and preservative-free, suitable for individuals with sensitive eyes.
Please note that it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist before using any eye drops after surgery. If approved by the doctor but you experience any eye pain, redness, or changes in vision after using this product, discontinue use immediately and inform your doctor.
Optase: designed for severe dry eye
Optase Dry Eye Intense eye drops are designed for conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This potent eye drop provides professional-level care for severe dry eye patients and post-operative individuals.
A gel-based formula with soothing properties. It relieves dryness and the sensation of foreign objects in the eyes. [3] Trusted Website NCBI, US National Center for Biotechnology Information, is a trusted source of biotechnology and biomedicine information. Open the link → These two ingredients help improve the quality of tears and form a moisturizing layer on the surface of the eyeballs to hydrate them.
Glycerin 0.2%
Pros:
- Provides quick relief for severe dry eye symptoms.
- Contains ingredients supported by scientific research.
- Suitable for contact lens users.
Cons:
- The duration of the relief effect is not specified.
Optase Dry Eye Intense Eye Drops do not contain preservatives. The formula is gentle and safe for daily use, including for contact lens wearers.
Optase is a professional eye care brand that offers a range of products including eye drops, eye wash solutions, moist heat masks, and eye health supplements. Optase products are typically preservative-free and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens users. The brand has received wide acclaim for improving eye health and enhancing user comfort.
GenTeal Tears: overnight eye moisturization
GenTeal Tears Eye Gel is a specialized eye protection product designed for nighttime use. Its thick formula forms a protective film on the surface of the eyeballs, providing ample moisturization and soothing effects during sleep.
The active ingredient in GenTeal Tears is hypromellose, also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. It is a widely used, colorless, and tasteless powder with good solubility, stability, and viscosity. In ophthalmology, hypromellose is commonly used as the active ingredient in artificial tears or eye lubricants to alleviate dry eye symptoms. As a lubricant, it forms a thin film on the surface of the eyes, helping to prevent rapid tear evaporation, thereby relieving discomfort such as dryness, itching, and foreign body sensation. It can also resist environmental factors such as wind and sunlight that may irritate the eyes. Additionally, hypromellose is often used in ophthalmic surgery as a corneal protectant to safeguard the eyes and maintain surgical visibility.
0.34 oz x 2
Hypromellose 0.3%
Pros:
- Soothing gel formula.
- Relieves dryness and foreign body sensation in the eyes.
- For use during sleep.
Cons:
- Contains preservatives.
- Duration of soothing effect not clearly specified; effectiveness may vary from person to person.
GenTeal is a brand under Novartis, specifically designed to alleviate symptoms of dry eyes. Their product range includes artificial tears, lubricating eye drops, and eye gel, targeting dryness, pain, and irritation in the eyes. Novartis is a global leader in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, committed to developing and producing innovative drugs and healthcare products.
Why you need eye drops after LASIK surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a common and well-known laser refractive surgery. This procedure typically uses a special cutting laser to precisely reshape the cornea (the transparent dome-shaped tissue in the front of the eye) to improve vision. After LASIK surgery, the use of lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can effectively alleviate some of the side effects of the procedure.
Patients who undergo LASIK surgery often experience temporary dryness, mild discomfort, and itching in the eyes for a period of time after the surgery. According to research, dry eye symptoms are most severe in the first few months after the procedure. Since LASIK surgery can leave the cornea vulnerable to infection, ophthalmologists usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops and steroid eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
An ophthalmologist will provide a schedule for postoperative eye drop usage, typically within a few weeks to months after the surgery. Non-prescription eye drops can be used as long as you feel dryness in your eyes. Generally, antibiotic eye drops are used for 7-10 days, while steroid eye drops like prednisolone acetate are gradually reduced within 2 weeks.
Failure to use eye drops postoperatively to alleviate discomfort and prevent potential minor side effects can lead to the following situations:
- Mild symptoms may worsen. Frequent blinking or eye rubbing can potentially cause displacement of the LASIK flap due to severe dryness.
- Increased risk of scar infection. Without the protection of tears or antibiotic eye drops, harmful bacteria can multiply, leading to infection and even blindness.
- Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis (DLK) may occur, which is inflammation caused by the accumulation of white blood cells beneath the corneal flap.
- Prolonged recovery process. Eye drops aid in smooth eye recovery, while persistent irritation and infection can lengthen the recovery period.
- Although rare, improper postoperative care after LASIK surgery can result in serious complications, affecting the visual recovery after the procedure.
Doctors advise patients undergoing LASIK surgery to carry eye drops with them for several months after the procedure. If you forget to use the eye drops, you should use them immediately once you remember.
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