Improving Vision After LASIK: Tips for Managing Dryness and Fatigue

Q: Improving Vision After LASIK: Tips for Managing Dryness and Fatigue

Hello Emma： Vision should not be able to improve. <br>Myopia is unlikely to worsen as a result. <br>Although your dominant eye is the left one, you are still seeing clearly with your right eye because the left eye is unclear. <br>As long as you do not overuse your eyes and there

Postoperative care after myopic laser surgery?

Hello, doctor.
I have had laser eye surgery for a year now.
My right eye has a vision of 1.0, while my left eye fluctuates between 0.8 and 0.9.
Before the surgery, my corneal thickness was on the thinner side (495 micrometers), and I was almost not eligible for the procedure.
My dominant eye is the left one, and my tear secretion is normal.
I have no issues reading with both eyes, but when I read with just my left eye, the text appears blurry, similar to astigmatism.
My left eye also tends to feel dry and fatigued, and I often notice bloodshot eyes.
I work in an air-conditioned environment and apply warm compresses to my eyes every two days.
I also take fish oil, elderberry, and lutein, but my left eye still easily becomes fatigued and dry.
I would like to know if there is a way to improve my left eye's vision a bit more, or if it is better to maintain the current state.
If I maintain the current state, will the strain from reading with my left eye lead to worsening nearsightedness? I often find myself concerned about my left eye's reading ability, which is quite bothersome.

Emma, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/21

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Emma: Vision should not be able to improve.
Myopia is unlikely to worsen as a result.
Although your dominant eye is the left one, you are still seeing clearly with your right eye because the left eye is unclear.
As long as you do not overuse your eyes and there are no pathological changes, your vision should not change significantly.

Reply Date: 2021/08/21

More Info

Improving vision after LASIK surgery can be a multifaceted process, especially when dealing with issues like dryness and fatigue. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced some challenges with your left eye, which may be causing you concern. Here are some insights and tips that may help you manage your symptoms and potentially improve your vision.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Dryness and Fatigue: After LASIK, it is common for patients to experience dry eyes due to the temporary disruption of the corneal nerves that help regulate tear production. This can lead to symptoms like dryness, fatigue, and even fluctuating vision. The fact that you are experiencing these symptoms, particularly in your left eye, suggests that your tear film may not be stable, which can affect your visual acuity.

2. Visual Acuity Variability: The difference in clarity between your two eyes, especially if your left eye is fluctuating between 0.8 and 0.9, could be due to several factors, including residual refractive error, dryness, or even the quality of your tear film. If your left eye feels like it has a "scatter" effect, it could be indicative of mild astigmatism or irregularities in the cornea that may have developed post-surgery.

Tips for Managing Dryness and Fatigue
1. Artificial Tears: Continue using preservative-free artificial tears regularly throughout the day to help maintain moisture in your eyes. This can be particularly beneficial in air-conditioned environments, which can exacerbate dryness.

2. Warm Compresses: You mentioned using warm compresses every two days. Consider increasing the frequency to daily, especially if you are experiencing significant dryness. Warm compresses can help stimulate oil production in the meibomian glands, which is crucial for a healthy tear film.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: You are already taking fish oil, which is great. Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the quality of your tears. Make sure you are taking a sufficient dose, as recommended by your healthcare provider.

4. Environmental Adjustments: If you work in an air-conditioned environment, try to take regular breaks to rest your eyes. The 20-20-20 rule is helpful: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

5. Blinking Exercises: Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when using screens. Blinking helps to spread tears evenly over the surface of your eyes.

6. Consultation with an Eye Care Professional: Since you have a history of thin corneas and are experiencing persistent symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult with your ophthalmologist or optometrist. They can assess your tear film stability and corneal health, and may suggest additional treatments such as punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage or prescription eye drops designed for dry eyes.

Addressing Concerns About Vision Improvement
Regarding your concern about whether your left eye's vision can improve further, it is essential to have realistic expectations. While some patients may experience gradual improvement in their vision over time, others may find that their vision stabilizes at a certain level. If your left eye continues to feel strained or if you notice a decline in your vision, it is crucial to discuss these concerns with your eye care provider. They may recommend further evaluation or even a refraction test to determine if a corrective lens could be beneficial.

Preventing Further Vision Decline
As for your worry about worsening myopia due to the strain on your left eye, it is essential to manage your symptoms proactively. Regular eye exams can help monitor your vision and detect any changes early on. If you find that your left eye is consistently more fatigued or dry, addressing these issues promptly can help prevent any potential decline in vision.

In summary, while LASIK can significantly improve vision for many, some patients may experience ongoing challenges. By implementing these strategies and maintaining open communication with your eye care provider, you can work towards managing your symptoms effectively and optimizing your visual health.

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