Summary:
- After LASIK, it’s normal to experience mild dryness, irritation, or light sensitivity as your eyes heal and adjust. These symptoms are temporary and part of the natural recovery process.
- With simple care—like using lubricating drops, staying hydrated, and limiting screen time—you can ease discomfort and support healing. Treatments such as punctal plugs, medicated eye drops, or anti-inflammatory medication also help.
- Regular follow-ups with your eye specialist ensure your recovery stays on track so you can enjoy long-lasting, clear vision.
LASIK is one of the most popular vision correction procedures in Singapore, with many people choosing it for its quick recovery and long-term results.
However, what happens after LASIK is just as important as the procedure itself. During the healing phase, it’s common to experience some mild symptoms like dry eyes. Though only temporary, these symptoms should be monitored and treated with care
Find out how in this guide.
Common Post-LASIK Recovery Symptoms
LASIK is a minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve eyesight. It’s normal after the procedure to experience temporary side effects as your eyes heal. Most symptoms improve within a few weeks, and often include:
Dry Eyes and Blurry Vision
Your eyes are adjusting to the reshaped corneal surface, and natural tear production may take a little time to return to normal. You may notice clearer vision at certain times of the day, followed by slight blurriness — this usually improves gradually as your eyes stabilise and heal.
Itchy, Gritty, or Watery Eyes
You may feel like there’s something in your eye or notice increased tearing after surgery. This sensation is caused by the temporary disruption of corneal nerves during LASIK. As these nerves regenerate, the eyes can become more sensitive or watery.
Post-LASIK Light Sensitivity
Temporary sensitivity to bright sunlight or indoor lighting is also common after LASIK. Wearing sunglasses outdoors and avoiding harsh lighting indoors can ease discomfort during recovery.
Not sure if LASIK is suitable for you? At Asia Pacific Eye Centre, we offer pre-LASIK eye screening to assess your suitability for surgery. Book an appointment today to find out more.
What Causes Post-LASIK Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes are among the most common side effects after LASIK, and several factors come into play:
- Dry Environments: Air-conditioned offices, indoor spaces, or airplane cabins can worsen dryness.
- Contact Lens Usage: Wearing contacts too soon after surgery can irritate the eyes.
- Reduced Tear Production: LASIK temporarily affects the tear glands, reducing natural lubrication.
- Screen Time: Extended use of computers, phones, or tablets reduces blinking and increases eye fatigue.
- Environmental Irritants: Dust, smoke, and wind can aggravate dryness. Protective eyewear outdoors helps minimise irritation.
Treatment for Post-LASIK Dry Eyes
If your dryness persists beyond the first few weeks, your eye specialist may recommend treatments to restore moisture balance and support long-term eye health, so you can return to your daily routine without disruption.
Punctal Plugs
Tiny biocompatible inserts are placed in the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, helping your eyes retain natural moisture for longer periods.
Prescribed Lubricating Eye Drops
Medicated or preservative-free artificial tears may be prescribed to provide longer-lasting hydration and relieve irritation.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
In some cases, mild anti-inflammatory eye drops are used to reduce surface inflammation and promote healing.
Follow-Up Appointments
Regular check-ups allow your eye specialist to monitor recovery, fine-tune your treatment plan, and address any lingering discomfort early.
How to Manage Dry Eyes Post-LASIK Naturally
Along with specialist treatments like lubricating eye drops, a few simple habits can make your recovery more comfortable and help your eyes feel less tired throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy tear production and overall eye moisture.
Avoid Irritants
Try to stay away from smoky, dusty, or windy areas, which can aggravate dryness and slow healing.
Take Screen Breaks
Give your eyes regular breaks from computers and phones—especially during the first few weeks—to reduce strain and dryness.
Warm Compress for Eyes
Gently placing a warm compress over your closed eyes can stimulate oil glands, improving tear quality and comfort.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps prevent your eyes from feeling dry—particularly in air-conditioned spaces.
Blinking Exercises
Make a habit of slow, deliberate blinking when using screens to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable.
Limit Screen Time
Cutting back on digital use in the early recovery phase reduces fatigue and supports healing.
How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost in Singapore?
While LASIK may come with temporary side effects during recovery, it’s a procedure worth exploring, if you want clear vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses.
Here’s a general cost range for LASIK surgery and related vision correction procedures in Singapore:
- Standard LASIK: Starts from around S$1,400 per eye
- Wavefront-customised iLASIK: Typically from about S$1,700 per eye
- SMILE® Pro 2.0 (a newer form of laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea through a small incision, helping to shorten recovery time and lessen post-surgery dryness): Generally around S$2,600 per eye
| Procedure Type | Estimated Cost (per eye) |
| Standard LASIK | Starts from around S$1,400 |
| Wavefront-customised iLASIK | Typically from about S$1,700 |
| SMILE® Pro 2.0 | Generally around S$2,600 |
Explore APEC’s LASIK Packages
At Asia Pacific Eye Centre in Singapore, LASIK surgery and vision correction packages are transparent and personalised to suit your needs. Our experienced eye specialists are with you at every stage so you can make an informed decision on your eye health.
Ready to see clearly without glasses or contacts? Book a consultation with Asia Pacific Eye Centre today.
