What to Do for Itchy Eyes After LASIK
What to Do for Itchy Eyes After LASIK LASIK, often brings about temporary discomfort in the form of itchy eyes. This is an expected part of the healing process, and while generally harmless, can cause considerable annoyance. Various factors contribute to this sensation – from nerve regeneration post-surgery to dryness due to reduced tear production.
Numerous remedies are available that offer relief from this itching without causing harm or interrupting the healing process. From over-the-counter medications such as artificial tears and lubricating ointments to more natural solutions like cold compresses and restful sleep – each can play a role in soothing your eyes after LASIK surgery.
Causes
The root causes behind the itching sensation experienced post-LASIK are multi-fold, and understanding them can provide relief. One primary factor is the healing process itself; as your eyes start to recover from surgery, it’s a common physiological response to experience itchiness. This is part of your body’s natural reaction to trauma, even in a controlled environment like an operation theatre.
LASIK employs microscopic incisions on the cornea with laser technology, essentially reshaping it for vision correction. These surgical alterations instigate the regeneration of nerve endings within our cornea – triggering sensations commonly referred to as ‘itching.’ Reduced tear production often accompanies this surgery because LASIK affects nerves responsible for tear secretion – leading to dryness and thereby enhancing feelings of itchiness.
Yet another cause lies in how we instinctively respond to discomfort around our eyes: by rubbing them. After undergoing LASIK surgery, rubbing your eyes can exacerbate the itchiness rather than alleviate it! As such, resisting this impulse becomes crucial during recovery. Some patients might develop an allergy or sensitivity towards eye drops prescribed after LASIK which could also result in itching.
Your knowledge about these causes equips you better not just for dealing with any discomfort that arises but also helps ensure successful recovery post-surgery. It allows you to distinguish between what’s normal versus symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. Striking a balance between patience with temporary annoyances and vigilance against potential complications.
Home Remedies for Itchy Eyes
Post-LASIK, several home remedies can provide much-needed relief from itchy eyes. These solutions are straightforward and require only common household items or over-the-counter treatments that are easily accessible. Their effectiveness lies in their simplicity, providing comfort without risking any adverse effects on your healing eyes.
- Cold Compresses: A cold compress applied to the closed eyelids can soothe itchiness by reducing inflammation and irritation. Make sure the cloth is clean, and use chilled water – not freezing – to avoid causing damage from extreme temperatures.
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears lubricate dry eyes, alleviating one of the major causes of itchiness post-surgery. They mimic natural tear composition and offer instant soothing relief.
- Hydration: Keeping hydrated helps maintain a healthy production of tears which keeps your eyes moistened naturally thus minimizing itching sensations.
- Eye-friendly Diet: Consuming foods rich in Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids aids overall eye health including enhanced tear production which contributes towards relieving itchy eyes after LASIK surgery.
- Adequate Rest: Ensuring you get plenty of sleep gives your body ample time to recover post-surgery; this includes reducing discomfort like itching in your eyes.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Although rubbing may seem instinctive when dealing with an itch, resisting this urge becomes crucial as it could potentially worsen symptoms or even cause damage.
These remedies serve to alleviate temporary discomfort during recovery; they aren’t alternatives for proper medical care nor should they be used if contrary to doctor’s advice!
Preventing Itchy Eyes After LASIK
While it’s normal to experience some degree of itchiness after LASIK surgery, there are steps you can take to minimize this discomfort. Adopting certain habits and taking proactive measures right from the onset can significantly reduce your chances of significant irritation in your recovering eyes.
Keep your eyes well lubricated. Dryness is a common cause for itching post-LASIK, so frequent use of doctor-recommended artificial tears or prescribed eye drops will help maintain moisture levels in your eyes. Blink regularly when reading or using electronic devices as continuous staring often leads to dryness and subsequently itching. Hydration isn’t just about topical application; drinking plenty of water also aids in maintaining healthy tear production.
Safeguard against external irritants that could potentially exacerbate itchiness. This involves wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and dust particles which can irritate sensitive eyes following LASIK surgery. Also crucial is ensuring proper hygiene, washing hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses reduces the risk of introducing microbes that may lead to infection and increased discomfort.
Prioritize rest for faster recovery and reduction in symptoms like itching. Sleep provides our bodies with an opportunity for repair work at cellular level including healing those tiny incisions made during LASIK on our cornea! Besides sufficient sleep duration each night, consider incorporating short breaks into periods involving intensive visual focus (like computer work) allowing respite for those hardworking peepers!
By consciously integrating these preventive measures into daily routine post-surgery you not only enhance comfort but also contribute towards successful healing journey after undergoing LASIK procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scratch or rub my eyes if they itch after LASIK?
While the urge to scratch or rub your itchy eyes can be strong, doing so can potentially harm the healing process. Instead, use recommended eye drops for relief.
How long does eye itchiness last after LASIK surgery?
The duration of itching varies from person to person but usually subsides within a few days or weeks post-surgery as your body heals.
Is severe itching normal after LASIK?
Mild discomfort including some itching is normal post LASIK. Severe and persistent itching could indicate an infection or other complications and should be reported immediately to your doctor.
Can I prevent itchy eyes after undergoing LASIK completely?
It's hard to entirely prevent any form of discomfort including itchy eyes following surgery. But with appropriate care and preventive measures you can significantly reduce the severity and duration of such symptoms.
