I had LASIK performed on my eyes last winter and was very happy with the results for about 5 months. Five months post-op, however, my eyes became very dry and irritated and haven't improved any since then. Why would my eyes be perfect for 5 months and then suddenly become very dry? Is this common? Shouldn't they start off being dry and then gradually get better as they heal?

Now that it is Winter, the environment at home and at work may have changed. Often, things are dryer in the Winter, and this could lead to dry eyes.
The important thing is that your dry eyes can be treated. Please see your doctor and ask about Restasis, Punctal plugs, etc.

Best of luck

Bill Trattler MD
Miami, FL

Hi Kylee,

I am so sorry to hear that you are having problems with dry eyes. I'm about 6 months post-op and am still having problems as well. Mine did not start to be real bothersome until about 1.5 months post-op. Since then they fluctuate ALL OVER the place. One week I feel normal, the next week I feel awful. I don't understand it either, but from people I've talked to it sounds like that is just the way things go. I was also under the assumption that things would slowly improve, but that is not what I'm seeing at all. For me, they kind of just go back and forth alot. So, it definitely could be the weather changing that is causing them to act up...also, I think I read that you started some new medication recently, that may be it as well. You might want to check out the site www.dryeyezone.com, and ask for advice out there. There is ALOT of information about different treatment options and all out there, and the people there are very knowledgable. Although the docs do have some good advice, I find that the best advice that I've received has come from other people who are suffering from dry eye. I hope that you find something that works.

Michelle

Michelle, I can't thank you enough for the link to dryeyezone.com. My dry eye seems to be caused by the ointments I've been using. I stopped the ointments immediately and instead purchased the GenTeal Gel. I went from using 10+ vials of artificial tears to 2. Never, ever use ointment on your eyes. Think of it like vaseline. Vaseline repels water.

Hi Shawn,

I'm so glad that the other site helped you! A few months ago, I tried the ointment at night because my doctor told me too, and my eyes got alot worse. Then I found the GenTeal gel. That stuff is the best! Good luck with your recovery!

Michelle