Can you get LASIK if you have dry eyes?

If you've ever experienced dry eyes, you know how uncomfortable they can be—burning, itching, blurry vision, and constant irritation. If you're also considering LASIK, you might be wondering:
"Does dry eye disqualify me from laser eye surgery?"

The good news? Having dry eyes doesn't automatically mean you can't have LASIK. But it's something your eye doctor will take seriously.

At Elite LASIK & Cataract in Indianapolis, we screen every patient carefully and customize treatment plans to ensure the best outcome, especially for those with dry eye symptoms.

Let's walk through what you need to know.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to:

• Stinging or burning
• Blurred vision
• A gritty or scratchy feeling
• Eye fatigue
• Redness or watering (yes, watery eyes can be a sign of dryness!)

It's very common, especially among people who wear contact lenses or spend long hours on screens.

Can you have LASIK if you have dry eyes?

Yes but it depends on how severe your dry eye is and how well it's managed.

Mild to moderate dry eye is usually not a problem. Many LASIK candidates have dry eyes from years of contact lens wear, and in many cases, their symptoms actually improve after LASIK because they stop using contacts.

Severe dry eye, however, needs to be addressed before proceeding with surgery.

Why is dry eye important for LASIK?

LASIK involves reshaping the cornea using a laser. A thin flap is created on the surface of the eye. For a short time after the procedure, the nerves that control tear production may be affected.

This can temporarily make dry eye worse but with proper care, it usually resolves within weeks or months.

That's why your surgeon will evaluate your tear film, oil glands, and overall eye surface health as part of your LASIK consultation.

How we assess dry eye at Elite LASIK & Cataract

We use advanced diagnostic tools to measure:

• Tear volume and quality
• Oil gland function (meibomian glands)
• Eye surface staining
• Blink rate and completeness.

These tests help us understand your dry eye and create a treatment plan, whether or not you go forward with LASIK.

Treating dry eyes before LASIK

If we find signs of dryness during your consultation, we'll recommend treating it before surgery. This may include:

• Artificial tears or prescription eye drops
• Omega-3 supplements
• Warm compresses
• Lid hygiene routines
• In-office treatments like LipiFlow or IPL.

Our goal is to get your eyes into the best condition possible for surgery and healing.

What about after LASIK?

It's normal to experience some dryness in the first few weeks after LASIK. We'll provide:

• Prescription-strength lubricating eye drops
• Follow-up care to monitor your healing
• Guidance on screen use, hydration, and other tips.

With proper care, most people see their symptoms gradually improve—and enjoy clear, comfortable vision.

Is PRK better for dry eyes?

For patients with severe dry eye or thin corneas, we may recommend PRK instead of LASIK. PRK doesn't require a corneal flap, so it may cause fewer dry eye symptoms during recovery.

We'll help you understand the pros and cons of each option and choose what's right for your eyes.

Bottom line: You may still be a candidate

Dry eye doesn't mean you're out of luck—it just means we'll take a little extra care to ensure your comfort and safety.

We've helped many patients with dry eye find freedom from glasses and contacts. And we're here to help you, too.

Take the first step

Wondering if LASIK is right for your eyes?
Start with our quick self-test to see if you're a suitable candidate.