Dry, irritated eyes aren’t just uncomfortable—they can interfere with your day-to-day life. From blurry vision and light sensitivity to difficulty wearing contacts, dry eye can be more than a minor annoyance. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you’re not alone. At Paradise Valley Eye Care, we provide thorough evaluations and personalized care for dry eye sufferers—and for patients interested in procedures like LASIK, we offer honest guidance about what to expect. So, how are LASIK and dry eye connected? Let’s walk through the facts.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or the right kind of tears—to stay properly lubricated. This can lead to symptoms like:
- Burning or stinging
- Gritty or sandy feeling
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness or eye fatigue
- Excess tearing (a common, confusing side effect)
There are many causes of dry eye, including:
- Hormonal changes
- Aging
- Screen use or low blink rate
- Medications
- Autoimmune conditions
- Windy or dry climates—like we experience here in Phoenix
And yes, one cause can be refractive surgery like LASIK. That’s why it’s so important to talk to an eye care professional before making any surgical decisions.
How Are LASIK and Dry Eye Related?
LASIK and dry eye go hand-in-hand for some patients. During LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea, which can temporarily affect the nerves responsible for tear production. As a result, many people experience dry eye symptoms in the weeks following their procedure. While this is usually short-term, those who already have dry eye syndrome are more likely to experience prolonged discomfort.
But that doesn’t mean LASIK is off the table.
In fact, many patients with mild dry eye symptoms can still safely undergo LASIK—as long as their condition is diagnosed and treated first. If dry eye is properly managed, LASIK can still be a great solution for long-term visual freedom.
What’s the Best Dry Eye Treatment in Phoenix?
Because dry eye has many causes, treatment needs to be personalized. At Paradise Valley Eye Care, we offer dry eye treatment in Phoenix that’s tailored to your unique symptoms, lifestyle, and overall eye health.
Some of our most common treatments include:
- Artificial Tears – Ideal for mild cases, especially when using preservative-free drops.
- Prescription Medications – Like cyclosporine or lifitegrast, which reduce inflammation and promote tear production.
- Punctal Plugs – These help keep natural tears on the eye’s surface longer.
- Meibomian Gland Treatment – For patients with oil gland blockages, which can cause tears to evaporate too quickly.
- Thermal and Light-Based Therapies – IPL and thermal pulsation can stimulate gland function and offer long-term relief.
- Home Care Advice – Including lifestyle changes, blinking exercises, and how to optimize your environment for tear stability.
Planning LASIK? Talk to Us About Dry Eye First
If you’re thinking about LASIK, the first step is a comprehensive eye exam. This allows us to assess your tear quality and eye surface health. If you have signs of dry eye, we’ll recommend treatment before you move forward with LASIK. A healthy tear film supports a smooth surgery and a better recovery.
Already had LASIK and now experiencing symptoms? We treat post-surgical dry eye all the time and can create a care plan that restores comfort and clarity.
Dry Eye and LASIK Support in Phoenix
Dry eye doesn’t have to define your days—and LASIK doesn’t have to be off the table. At Paradise Valley Eye Care, we offer dry eye treatment in Phoenix and comprehensive LASIK consults. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’ve been dealing with symptoms for a while, we’re here to help.
Let’s make your vision—and your comfort—a priority.