What are the best eye drops for people who have had LASIK?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to several studies, a significant number of patients experience dry eye syndrome following surgery, with reports suggesting up to 60% of people face symptoms one month post-procedure. Selecting the best eye drops for people who have had LASIK is therefore crucial for a comfortable recovery and optimal results.

Quick Summary

Eye drops are an essential component of post-LASIK care, with prescriptions for infection and inflammation initially, followed by regular use of preservative-free artificial tears. Different formulations of over-the-counter lubricants address varying needs, from basic moisture to managing severe dryness. Understanding the cause of post-surgical dry eye helps in choosing the right products for a comfortable recovery.

Key Points

Preservative-Free is Key: Opt for preservative-free artificial tears, typically found in single-use vials, to avoid irritation and inflammation on the sensitive, healing cornea.
Start with Prescription Drops: Immediately after LASIK, use the antibiotic and steroid drops prescribed by your surgeon to prevent infection and control inflammation in the short term.
Understand Dry Eye Causes: Post-LASIK dry eye is often caused by the temporary disruption of corneal nerves, which affects natural tear production, requiring supplemental lubrication.
Match the Drop to Your Symptoms: Choose between different types of artificial tears based on your needs: aqueous drops for basic moisture, lipid-based drops for evaporative dry eye, and gels for nighttime relief.
Consider Advanced Treatments: If over-the-counter options are insufficient for persistent dryness, discuss prescription drops like Restasis or Xiidra, or procedures like punctal plugs, with your doctor.
Regular Use is Most Effective: For the first few months, consistent and frequent use of lubricating drops is often more effective than waiting until you feel symptoms. Your surgeon can provide a specific schedule.

The Importance of Eye Drops After LASIK

Following LASIK, the surface of the eye is in a healing phase, and normal tear production can be temporarily disrupted. The creation of the corneal flap during the procedure can sever nerves that regulate tear production, leading to a condition known as neurotrophic dry eye. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including fluctuating vision, a gritty sensation, light sensitivity, and even paradoxical watering, which is a sign of an irritated, dry surface. Eye drops are a critical part of the recovery process, serving several purposes:

Preventing Infection: Antibiotic drops are prescribed immediately after surgery to ward off potential infections while the eye heals.
Controlling Inflammation: Steroid drops are used to manage inflammation and minimize discomfort in the initial days following the procedure.
Relieving Dryness: Lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, provide the necessary moisture to keep the eye comfortable and support the healing process.

The Golden Rule: Use Preservative-Free Drops

For post-LASIK recovery, experts overwhelmingly recommend using preservative-free artificial tears, especially in the first few months. Here's why:

Less Irritation: The preservatives found in multi-dose eye drop bottles, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can be toxic to the sensitive corneal surface and cause irritation and inflammation, counteracting the healing process.
Unlimited Usage: Since they are gentler, preservative-free drops can be used as often as needed without the risk of preservative-related toxicity.
Optimal Healing: By avoiding chemical irritants, preservative-free drops create a more favorable environment for the corneal nerves to regenerate and tear function to normalize.

Preservative-free drops typically come in small, single-use vials that are discarded after each use to maintain sterility without the need for chemical preservatives.

Different Formulations of Over-the-Counter Artificial Tears

Over-the-counter artificial tears come in various formulations, each with slightly different properties. The right choice depends on the specific nature of your dry eye symptoms. Many patients find success by trying a few brands to see which works best for their individual needs.

Aqueous-Based Drops: These are the most common and lightest artificial tears, designed to replace the water component of the tear film. They are suitable for mild, daytime dry eye symptoms. Examples include Refresh Plus and Systane Ultra PF.
Oil-Based (Lipid) Drops: These drops address evaporative dry eye by supplementing the lipid (oil) layer of the tear film, which prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. They are particularly effective for symptoms that worsen throughout the day or in the evening. Examples include Refresh Mega-3 and Oasis Tears Plus PF.
Gel and Ointment Formulations: Thicker, more viscous drops or nighttime ointments provide longer-lasting relief by staying on the eye surface while you sleep. They may cause temporary blurring and are best used before bed.

Comparison of Common Post-LASIK Eye Drops


Brand/Type	Preservative Status	Key Ingredients	Viscosity	Best For	Pros/Cons
Refresh Plus	Preservative-Free	Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)	Light	Everyday mild to moderate dryness	Gentle and soothing; some may prefer longer-lasting options
Systane Ultra PF	Preservative-Free	Polyethylene Glycol/Propylene Glycol	Medium	Long-lasting daytime relief, screen use	Excellent for hydration; a more viscous feel than Refresh Plus
Refresh Mega-3	Preservative-Free	Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Lipid nanoparticles	Medium	Evaporative dry eye, evening use	Supports the tear film's lipid layer; good for late-day symptoms
TheraTears PF	Preservative-Free	Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)	Light	Dry eyes with sensitivity issues	Mimics natural tears' osmolarity; effective and gentle
GenTeal Gel	Preservative-Free	Hypromellose	Thick (Gel)	Overnight relief for severe dryness	Provides extended moisture while sleeping; can cause temporary blurriness
Restasis / Xiidra	Varies by formulation	Cyclosporine / Lifitegrast	Prescription	Chronic dry eye, unresponsive to OTC drops	Increases natural tear production; requires a prescription

Advanced Options for Persistent Dry Eye

For patients experiencing persistent or severe dry eye symptoms, standard artificial tears may not be enough. After consulting with your ophthalmologist, other treatments may be explored:

Prescription Eye Drops: Medications like Restasis (cyclosporine) or Xiidra (lifitegrast) can be prescribed to increase natural tear production and reduce inflammation.
Punctal Plugs: These small, biocompatible devices are painlessly inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, keeping tears on the eye surface for longer.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements: Oral supplements can improve the quality of the tear film's oily layer, reducing evaporative dry eye.

Conclusion

While the healing process after LASIK is unique for every individual, a strategic approach to eye drop usage is a universal cornerstone of post-operative care. The best eye drops for people who have had LASIK during the immediate recovery phase are the prescription antibiotic and steroid drops provided by your surgeon. For ongoing comfort and to manage dry eye, prioritizing preservative-free artificial tears is the most important step. Different over-the-counter formulas, from light aqueous drops to thicker gels and lipid-based drops, can be used to address specific needs. For persistent symptoms, advanced therapies like prescription drops or punctal plugs offer further relief. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions and communicate any concerns to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. For more information on post-LASIK management, you can consult authoritative resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry eye is a very common side effect after LASIK because the surgery temporarily affects the corneal nerves that regulate tear production. As these nerves heal over the course of several months, your eyes' natural ability to produce tears should return to normal.

The duration varies, but most patients are instructed to use prescription antibiotic and steroid drops for about one week. Preservative-free lubricating drops are typically used frequently for one to three months, and as needed after that, until symptoms subside.

Preservative-free drops are recommended because preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), can irritate the sensitive and healing corneal surface, causing inflammation. Using preservative-free drops minimizes this risk, allowing for unlimited and frequent use.

Yes, gel or ointment formulations like GenTeal Gel are thicker and provide longer-lasting lubrication, making them ideal for overnight use. They can cause temporary blurring, so they are not recommended for daytime activities.

Yes, excessive watering can be a symptom of dry eye. When the corneal nerves are disrupted, the eye may rely on reflex tearing from a larger gland, leading to watery eyes that are paradoxically still dry at the surface.

Prescription drops may be recommended if over-the-counter lubricating drops are not providing sufficient relief for persistent or chronic dry eye. Your eye doctor will evaluate your condition and determine if a prescription medication is appropriate.

Yes, staying well-hydrated, using a humidifier, wearing sunglasses outdoors, and taking dietary supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids can all help manage post-LASIK dry eye symptoms.