Do your eyes feel gritty, watery, or tired at the end of the day? Have you been told you are not a LASIK candidate because of dry eye?
If you live in Los Angeles or Ventura County and want freedom from glasses or contacts, dry eye disease does not automatically disqualify you. With advanced diagnostics and modern treatment, many patients can safely move forward with LASIK.
At DLV Vision, dry eye management plays a critical role in refractive surgery planning. Understanding how dry eye affects LASIK helps you make an informed decision.
Why Dry Eye Matters Before LASIK
LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure temporarily affects corneal nerves, which influence tear production and stability.
If dry eye disease already exists, symptoms may:
- Worsen after surgery
- Slow healing
- Cause fluctuating vision
- Impact overall satisfaction
For this reason, experienced LASIK surgeons carefully evaluate tear film health before recommending surgery.
Can You Still Get LASIK If You Have Dry Eyes?
In many cases, yes. The key is identifying and treating the underlying cause of dry eye before surgery.
Most patients do not produce poor-quality tears. Instead, they have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked. Without adequate oil, tears evaporate too quickly.
At DLV Vision, doctors perform a comprehensive ocular surface evaluation before LASIK to assess:
- Tear quantity and quality
- Meibomian gland function
- Corneal integrity
- Signs of inflammation
When dry eye is properly managed, many patients become strong LASIK candidates.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatments Available at DLV Vision
DLV Vision offers advanced therapies designed to improve tear stability and ocular surface health before refractive surgery.
LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation
LipiFlow is an FDA-approved, in-office treatment that gently heats and massages clogged oil glands in the eyelids.
Learn more: http://fyi.rendia.com/T1ZBu
Benefits include:
- Clearing blocked glands
- Restoring natural oil flow
- Improving tear film stability
- Reducing irritation and dryness
By improving gland function, LipiFlow can create a healthier surface for LASIK.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) reduces inflammation around the eyelids and enhances meibomian gland performance.
Watch video: http://fyi.rendia.com/pMjrK
IPL may:
- Decrease eyelid inflammation
- Improve tear quality
- Reduce redness
- Support long-term ocular comfort
Combining IPL with other therapies often produces measurable improvements in tear stability.
Customized Medical Management
Depending on your evaluation, your ophthalmologist may also recommend:
- Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Omega-3 supplementation
- Professional gland expression
- Targeted lid hygiene regimens
This tailored approach improves surgical readiness and helps protect visual outcomes.
What to Expect During Your LASIK Consultation
Your consultation includes:
- Detailed corneal mapping
- Tear film analysis
- Meibomian gland evaluation
- A personalized treatment plan
This data-driven assessment determines whether dry eye treatment should occur before surgery and whether LASIK remains the right option for you.
Take the Next Step
If you were told you are not a candidate for LASIK because of dry eyes, a second opinion may change your options. Advanced treatment can often stabilize the ocular surface and improve surgical eligibility.
Residents of Los Angeles and Ventura County can schedule a comprehensive LASIK and dry eye evaluation at DLV Vision.
Schedule a consultation: https://www.doughertylaservision.com/request-an-appointment/
Clear vision may still be within reach with the right preparation and expert care.
