Does LASIK cause dry eye?

While laser eye surgery like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) has a high success rate, one side effect tends to be dry eye symptoms. Learn what factors contribute to the risk of dry eye and ways your eye doctor may help you manage it.

Medically reviewed on October 15, 2025

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Published on February 10, 2026

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5 minute read

The link between LASIK and dry eye

During LASIK, your surgeon creates a thin flap on the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye). Reshaping the corneal tissue under this flap is what allows the doctor to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Even so, the creation of this flap can temporarily disrupt the tiny nerves in the cornea that help control your tear production, interfering with your eye’s ability to sense that it’s dry. If it can't sense that it's dry, it won't know to create tears, and can also reduce blinking, which is another way your body helps to keep your eyes stay moist. Because of this, most people notice dry eye symptoms for a few weeks or months after LASIK. For some, the dryness lasts longer, but in most cases, it improves within six months.

The importance of treating dry eye before LASIK

Many people choose LASIK because contact lenses feel uncomfortable, and often, that discomfort is caused by eye dryness. That’s why your doctor checks for dry eye before LASIK, since many patients already have some degree of dryness. Treating dry eye first is important because existing dryness can worsen after surgery.

If dry eye is found, your doctor might recommend treatments to improve your tears before surgery. These treatments may include artificial tears, anti-inflammatory eye drops, discontinuing contact lens use or other procedures. Sometimes, your doctor may advise postponing LASIK until your dry eye symptoms improve.

What can be done about post-LASIK dry eye?

Since dry eye is common after laser eye surgery, your eye doctor will likely come up with a treatment plan, and may tailor it to the severeness of your dry eye. This could include:

Artificial tears and eye ointments

Artificial tears add moisture and help soothe your eyes. Your doctor may also recommend thicker ointments for nighttime to keep your eyes lubricated while you sleep.

Lifestyle changes

There are changes you can make to your habits or your environment that can help, like running a humidifier at home, avoiding wind or smoke, and taking breaks from screens.

Regular follow-ups

These are important for monitoring your progress and adjusting treatments as needed, especially if your dry eye symptoms are particularly bothersome.

Specialized treatments

In some cases, your doctor might suggest at-home or in-office procedures to keep these glands healthy and functioning well.

How long does dry eye last after LASIK?

For many, the feelings of dryness, irritation, or blurry vision start to improve within the first few months after surgery. Most cases of dry eye resolve completely within 3 to 6 months, especially with proper pre- and post-operative treatment and care. However, some people may experience dry eye symptoms for a longer period, especially if they had dry eyes before surgery. In rare cases, dry eye can last a year or even become a long-term issue (about 4% of LASIK patients develop dry eye syndrome).

Follow your doctor’s treatment plan

Since LASIK can affect your eye’s ability to sense dryness, you may not feel your dry eye symptoms, even if they’re present. This is why you may have more dry eye than you even realize, and why your eye doctor may provide treatment recommendations. Ignoring treatment recommendations after LASIK can increase the risk of chronic dry eye. Chronic Dry Eye Disease can affect not only the comfort, but also vision clarity and overall eye health.

Questions or concerns? Reach out to an eye doctor.

Whether you’re considering LASIK, or have already had the LASIK procedure and are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, the best person to discuss your questions or concerns with is your eye doctor. They can provide answers tailored to you and your eyes.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does dry eye last after LASIK?

Most people find that dry eye symptoms go away within 3 to 6 months after surgery. Some may experience dryness longer, especially if they had dry eyes before LASIK. In rare cases, dry eye can last a year or more. It's important to follow your doctor’s advice and attend pre- and post-operative follow-up appointments to monitor your eye health and help your eyes heal faster. Remember, most people recover well and enjoy better comfort and vision over time.

Can dry eye after LASIK be permanent?

Yes, in some cases, dry eye can become long-lasting or even permanent (about 4% of LASIK patients develop dry eye syndrome). However, most cases improve with proper treatment. Your eye doctor can suggest ways to manage and reduce symptoms effectively.

Why does LASIK cause dry eyes?

LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea, which can disrupt your eye’s ability to sense when it’s dry. While your eyes are healing, they may not produce enough tears, leading to dry eye. This is a commonly held theory as to why dry eyes happen after the surgery.

What treatments work best for dry eye after LASIK?

Artificial tears, medications like cyclosporine, punctal plugs, special lenses, and lifestyle changes are common treatments. Your doctor can recommend the best options for your specific situation to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.

Is dry eye after LASIK dangerous?

Yes, if left untreated, it can cause damage to your eyes, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice. Proper management helps prevent long-term problems.

How can I prevent dry eye after LASIK?

Since dry eye is such a common side effect, preventing it completely is not likely. Getting a thorough eye exam before surgery and managing dry eye beforehand can help reduce the severity after surgery. Following your doctor’s instructions after LASIK is also key. Taking good care of your eyes during recovery can make a big difference.

When should I see a doctor about dry eye symptoms?

If your symptoms are severe, last longer than expected, or get worse, see your eye doctor promptly for evaluation and treatment. Early care can help prevent more serious issues and make you more comfortable.

Does LASIK cause dry eye?

The link between LASIK and dry eye

The importance of treating dry eye before LASIK

What can be done about post-LASIK dry eye?

Artificial tears and eye ointments

Lifestyle changes

Regular follow-ups

Specialized treatments

How long does dry eye last after LASIK?

Follow your doctor’s treatment plan

Questions or concerns? Reach out to an eye doctor.

Frequently asked questions

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