After LASIK or PRK, discomfort can result from several factors: less stable tears, less functional eyelid glands, or increased sensitivity of the eye surface. At Experience Care, the optometrist evaluates your condition and discusses possible treatments: IPL OptiLight, iLux, punctal plugs, or home care routines.
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After LASIK or PRK, some individuals experience a dry eye, a burning sensation, fluctuating vision, or a frequent need for drops during the healing phase.
These symptoms can arise from less stable tears, a blepharitis, a Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), ongoing healing, altered corneal sensitivity, or another surface eye condition.
The optometrist looks for what aggravates the symptoms and identifies signs that require a quick return to the surgeon.
THE CARE EXPERIENCE
Timing of onset, drops used, fluctuating vision, pain, and triggers help guide the evaluation.
The optometrist checks the tears, cornea, eyelid margins, and the Meibomian glands.
Based on the observed signs, the optometrist at CARE Clinic may discuss a routine, priority care, or co-management with the surgeon.
Symptômes
Dryness, burning, fluctuating vision, or light sensitivity may occur after LASIK or PRK. The timing of these symptoms, their duration, and intensity help the optometrist know what to check.
01
The eye may feel dry even with clear vision after surgery.
02
An irritated surface can burn, feel hot, or sting, especially when exposed to screens or towards the end of the day.
03
Vision can become blurry and then clear up again after a few blinks.
A sensation of a foreign body may accompany a less stable surface.
Light can become more bothersome when the surface is irritated.
Relief may be short-lived if tears do not stay well on the eye.
An irritated eye can sometimes water even if it feels dry.
Persistent or increasing pain warrants careful evaluation.
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After refractive surgery, a single sign may not always explain the discomfort. The optometrist examines the eye surface, tears, eyelids, and the evolution of symptoms.
Dr. Francesca Olinga, optometrist
Overview
Four profiles observed during evaluation. These markers outline possible signs without making a diagnosis.
What the optometrist checks
Four profiles identified in clinic
Recent discomfort, lasting pain, involvement of eyelids or eyelid glands, or pain not aligning with visible signs all require different responses.
01
Recent
Discomfort in the early weeks may be related to healing, drops, or a more sensitive surface.
Signs
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Close to surgery appearance
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Increased need for drops
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Changes to note over time
02
Persistent
A discomfort that persists, recurs after improvement, or limits activities deserves more detailed evaluation.
Signs
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Symptoms persisting beyond expected timeframe
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Variation from day to day
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Discomfort with screens
03
Eyelids
Dysfunction of the eyelid glands, blepharitis, or ocular rosacea can make tears less stable.
Signs
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Irritated eyelid margins
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Lacrimal evaporation
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End-of-day symptoms
04
Sensitivity
A strong pain or light sensitivity that doesn't match visible signs on examination warrants a cautious approach.
Signs
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Persistent pain
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Significant photophobia
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Pain exceeds visible signs
What the optometrist checks
01
After refractive surgery, the eye's surface and tear reflexes can be temporarily altered.
02
Evaporation, inflammation, eyelids, or eyelid glands can make tears less stable.
03
Duration, intensity, pain, vision, and corneal signs help determine whether routine care, targeted treatment, or a referral is preferable.
Origine
LASIK and PRK affect the surface layer of the cornea, which contains sensory nerves. During healing, these nerves may interact differently with the tear system, impacting tear production and stability.
Other factors can also contribute concurrently: Meibomian glands less functional eyelids, inflamed eyelids, dry environments, screens, or individual sensitivity. This is why the optometrist assesses not just the quantity of tears: quality, stability, and healing are equally important.
Risk factors
Click a factor to learn more
Perspective
Discomfort following refractive surgery can gradually lessen, but some individuals may continue to experience persistent dry eye or fluctuating vision. Follow-up visits aim to better understand the factors contributing to discomfort (tears, eyelid glands, eye surface) and to discuss options for alleviating daily discomfort.
Recovery depends on tear quantity, eyelid condition, healing, corneal sensitivity, and symptoms that existed prior to surgery.
Persistent discomfort that worsens or is accompanied by vision loss warrants an evaluation. Sharp pain, high sensitivity to light, or pronounced redness requires more urgent attention.
Vision loss, increasing pain, severe light sensitivity, major redness, or discharge necessitate a quick evaluation.
Diminished vision or vision that doesn't clear up should be evaluated promptly.
Urgent
Intensifying pain after surgery should not be taken lightly.
Urgent
Significant photophobia may indicate significant irritation or another cause.
Urgent
Significant redness, especially in one eye, warrants evaluation.
Urgent
Discharge may require prompt medical evaluation.
Urgent
Treatments are based on what the optometrist observes: dry surface, unstable tears, eyelids, eyelid glands, inflammation, healing, or any sign that requires a return to the surgeon.
Each treatment corresponds to a specific sign. Protecting a fragile surface, retaining tears longer, soothing eyelid inflammation, supporting healing, or coordinating with the surgeon: the option depends on what the exam reveals.
Schedule an assessment
An optometrist and founder of the CARE Clinic, Dr. Francesca Olinga understands dry eye because she has experienced it. Experienced in the management of complex cases (neuropathic pain, demodex, chalazions), she uses innovation and attentive listening to guide you toward improved eye comfort.
Optometrist with over 30 years of experience and speaker for eye care professionals. Dr. Nguyen has experience in improving visual quality affected by dry eye. She supports her patients in reconciling their aesthetic goals (makeup, cosmetics) and optimal eye comfort.
An optometrist and member of theOOQ, Dr. Daniel Nguyen splits his practice between eye exams in an optometry clinic and advanced management of dry eye conditions at the CARE Clinic. This dual practice provides him with a comprehensive view of his patients' visual health, from routine screenings to cutting-edge therapeutic protocols. dry eye Biography of Karine Charbonneau
