Reasons for Dry Eyes After LASIK/LASEK, and Solutions | Gangnam Station Eye Clinic

Hello, this is Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic 😊💙

Are you considering LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE LASIK, but are hesitant because you've heard about dry eyes after surgery?

Or perhaps you're experiencing stiff and dry eyes due to long hours of monitor work and smartphone use?

Dry eyes, whether after surgery or in daily life,

can go beyond simple discomfort

and affect long-term eye health.

So, what kind of management is needed for dry eyes?

Causes of Dry Eyes

Most patients believe that dry eyes are caused by insufficient tears,

so they simply treat it by applying artificial tears.

However, simple aqueous-deficient dry eye syndrome

is an uncommon case,

excluding reasons like medication or underlying diseases.

70-80% of dry eye cases are caused by excessive tear evaporation.

The amount of tears itself may not be insufficient,

but the instability of the tear film

prevents the secreted tears from remaining on the eye for a sufficient period.

Ultimately, the core of dry eye syndrome

is the ‘quality’ of tears, rather than the quantity.

Dry Eye Treatment Methods

The ocular surface is composed of three layers:

the tear layer, the lipid layer, and the mucin layer.

Among these, the lipid layer plays a role in preventing the aqueous layer, or tears,

from evaporating too quickly.

This lipid layer is produced by the ‘meibomian glands’

located at the edge of the eyelids.

If the function of these meibomian glands declines, tears will easily evaporate, even with artificial tears,

leading to recurrent dryness.

Gangnam Station Eye Clinic IPL

This is where IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment comes in.

IPL was originally a high-intensity light therapy used in dermatology

for treating melasma and facial redness.

It has now been proven effective in ophthalmology for dry eye treatment

and is actively used.

The IPL light constricts the tiny inflammatory blood vessels around the eyelids,

reducing inflammatory substances,

and improving the health of the meibomian gland environment.

Additionally, it delivers thermal energy that can gently melt the oil inside the meibomian glands,

opening blocked oil glands

and activating oil secretion.

After IPL treatment, the eyelids are squeezed or wiped

to express the hardened oil,

a process that cleans and tidies

the eyelid margins.

Gangnam Station Ocular IPL

If the meibomian glands are blocked or inflamed,

oil secretion is impaired,

and tears evaporate quickly,

causing the eyes to feel stiff and stingy.

If left untreated,

this can lead to conditions like blepharitis or vision deterioration.

Therefore, if you regularly experience

eye irritation, foreign body sensation, or stiffness,

frequent eye makeup use,

prolonged monitor use,

or difficulty opening your eyes every morning after vision correction surgery,

it is advisable to visit an ophthalmology clinic with a specialized IPL eye care center

to receive appropriate treatment.

Gangnam Station Dry Eye Clinic

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic

has established a specialized eye care center to address post-surgical discomforts like dry eyes after vision correction surgery,

and is equipped with the latest eye health treatment systems, including IPL and squeezing,

providing 1:1 care by experienced ophthalmologists.

SMILE LASIK Dry Eye Management

While LASIK and LASEK surgeries are important, post-operative care is even more crucial.

Vision correction surgery takes only a few minutes,

but eye health must be maintained for a lifetime.

Therefore, it is paramount to choose a hospital

with accurate diagnosis and

a systematic post-operative care system.

A professional ophthalmology system is needed that includes various dry eye treatment devices, including IPL,

and can continuously monitor the eye condition after LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE LASIK.

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic is equipped with university hospital-level examination, surgery, and treatment equipment

and provides a 1:1 customized patient system.

To progress from ‘good vision’ to ‘healthy eyes’,

it is important not just to focus on the surgical outcome,

but to be a hospital that takes responsibility for recovery and management.

Remember that eyes, like skin, require continuous care and treatment.

If you are curious about IPL treatment,

please feel free to contact Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic via Naver TalkTalk below

or through the hospital's contact number.

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𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of dry eyes after LASIK/LASEK surgery?

The main cause is tear evaporation due to tear film instability and meibomian gland dysfunction. Rather than a lack of tear volume, the poor quality of the tear film, which causes tears to evaporate quickly, is the primary reason for most dry eye cases. Meibomian gland dysfunction in the eyelids particularly plays a significant role.

Is IPL effective for treating dry eyes?

Yes, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is effective in improving dry eyes. IPL constricts inflammatory blood vessels around the eyelids, reducing inflammatory substances and creating a healthier environment for the meibomian glands. It also helps to melt and activate the secretion of oil from blocked meibomian glands.

How does IPL therapy improve dry eyes?

IPL therapy improves dry eyes by reducing inflammation and activating meibomian gland function. IPL light constricts inflammatory blood vessels around the eyelids and reduces inflammatory substances. Simultaneously, it delivers thermal energy to melt and facilitate the discharge of oil from blocked meibomian glands, activating oil secretion and improving the quality of the tear film.

What problems can arise if dry eyes are left untreated?

If dry eyes are left untreated, problems such as blepharitis or vision deterioration can occur. If symptoms like eye stinging, foreign body sensation, or stiffness persist, they can have long-term effects on eye health and, in severe cases, lead to eyelid inflammation or vision loss, making appropriate treatment crucial.

Why is dry eye management important after vision correction surgery?

Dry eye management after vision correction surgery is very important for lifelong eye health. While the surgery itself is crucial, consistent post-operative care is essential to address discomforts like dry eyes that may arise after surgery and to maintain eye health. It is advisable to choose a hospital with professional diagnosis and a systematic management system.