What are the drops they give you after LASIK?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 95% of LASIK patients experience dry eye symptoms immediately following surgery. A successful LASIK recovery relies heavily on using a prescribed regimen of eye drops, which typically includes antibiotics, steroids, and preservative-free artificial tears. These medications are crucial for preventing infection, reducing inflammation, and managing post-operative dryness to ensure optimal healing and vision correction.

Quick Summary

Following LASIK, patients are given a combination of eye drops to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and manage post-operative dry eye. These include prescription antibiotic and steroid drops for short-term use, plus preservative-free artificial tears used for an extended period. Adhering to the specific application schedule is essential for proper healing and optimal visual outcomes.

Key Points

Antibiotic drops prevent infection: Prescription antibiotic eye drops, such as those containing moxifloxacin or ofloxacin, are used post-LASIK for a period specified by your doctor to prevent bacterial infections while the cornea heals.
Steroid drops reduce inflammation: Prescription steroid drops, like prednisolone or loteprednol, are essential for controlling inflammation and swelling in the initial weeks, which helps prevent scarring and supports optimal healing.
Preservative-free artificial tears are vital: Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) are crucial for managing post-LASIK dry eye, a very common side effect. Preservative-free options are recommended, especially for frequent use, as they are less irritating to the healing eye.
Usage frequency varies for each drop: Medicated drops (antibiotics and steroids) have a strict, short-term schedule, while artificial tears are used for several months, with frequency tapering as the eyes heal.
Proper application technique is key: Washing hands, avoiding contact with the dropper tip, and waiting at least five minutes between different types of drops are essential steps for effective and safe application.
Recovery involves managing symptoms: Mild discomfort, dryness, and fluctuating vision are normal during recovery and can be managed with the consistent and correct use of the prescribed eye drops.

After undergoing LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery, patients are provided with a specific eye drop regimen to aid in the healing process and minimize complications. This regimen is a crucial part of post-operative care, as it helps protect the eyes during their most vulnerable stage. The eye drops fall into two main categories: prescription medicated drops and over-the-counter lubricating drops. Each type plays a distinct and important role in ensuring a comfortable recovery and successful visual outcome.

The crucial role of prescription drops

The two primary types of prescription eye drops given after LASIK are antibiotics and steroids. These medications are used for a limited, short-term duration immediately following the procedure.

Antibiotic drops

Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection, which is a rare but serious risk after any surgical procedure. The reshaped cornea is vulnerable to bacteria during the initial healing phase, and these drops help eliminate any potential threats.

Purpose: To prevent a bacterial infection in the eyes.
Active Ingredients: Common examples include moxifloxacin (Vigamox) or ofloxacin (Ocuflox).
Usage: The schedule depends on the surgeon's instructions.
Importance: Consistent use significantly reduces the risk of post-LASIK infections.

Steroid drops

Steroid eye drops are given to reduce inflammation and manage the natural inflammatory response of the eyes after surgery. Controlling inflammation is vital for creating an optimal healing environment and preventing the formation of corneal haze, a complication that can affect vision clarity.

Purpose: To reduce swelling, inflammation, and discomfort.
Active Ingredients: Common examples include prednisolone (Pred Forte) or loteprednol (Lotemax).
Usage: The frequency is usually high initially, then tapered down over a period of time.
Importance: Promotes a faster recovery and reduces the risk of corneal scarring.

Managing dryness with lubricating drops

Post-LASIK dry eye is a very common side effect, as the procedure can temporarily disrupt the nerves responsible for tear production. To combat this, patients are instructed to use lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, for a longer period than the medicated drops.

Preservative-free artificial tears

Why preservative-free? Preservatives found in standard eye drop bottles can be toxic to the delicate surface of a healing cornea, especially with frequent use. Preservative-free drops are packaged in single-use vials and are gentler on the eyes, allowing for safe use.
Purpose: To relieve symptoms of dryness, including irritation, grittiness, and burning, and to keep the corneal surface moist.
Common Brands: Popular choices include Refresh Plus, Systane, and Oasis Tears.
Usage: Used frequently in the initial weeks, with frequency tapering down over several months as the eyes heal.
Importance: Improves comfort, prevents damage to the healing cornea, and contributes to better long-term visual outcomes.

Eye drops comparison: Medicated vs. lubricating


Feature	Prescription Medicated Drops	Lubricating (Artificial Tears) Drops
Primary Goal	Prevent infection and reduce inflammation.	Relieve dry eye symptoms and keep eyes moist.
Type of Drop	Antibiotic and Steroid.	Preservative-free (recommended initially).
Duration of Use	Short-term, typically 1 to 2 weeks.	Long-term, from several weeks to months.
Frequency	Specific schedule.	As needed, often hourly at first.
Where to Get	Prescribed by your surgeon.	Over-the-counter.
Key Precaution	Adhere strictly to the taper schedule; do not stop abruptly.	Use preservative-free initially to avoid irritation.

Administering eye drops effectively

Following the correct procedure for applying eye drops is as important as the regimen itself.

Wash your hands: Always start with clean hands to prevent introducing any bacteria.
Tilt your head back: Looking up at the ceiling makes it easier to position the drop.
Pull down the lower lid: Use a clean finger to gently create a small pocket between your eyelid and eyeball.
Instill the drop: Squeeze one drop into the pocket. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, lashes, or any other surface.
Close your eyes gently: Keep your eyes closed for 30–60 seconds after applying.
Wait between different drops: If you have multiple types of drops, wait at least five minutes between applications to prevent one from washing out another. It's a good practice to use the lubricating drops last.

What to expect during recovery

The eye drop regimen is a temporary but essential part of the LASIK recovery. The medicated drops will be discontinued after about one to two weeks, but the use of artificial tears may continue for several months. Patients may notice their vision fluctuating or experiencing periods of dryness during this time, which is normal and part of the healing process. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Adhering to the instructions will help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

Conclusion

The combination of prescription and lubricating drops is the cornerstone of post-LASIK care. Prescription antibiotic drops like moxifloxacin prevent infection, while steroid drops such as prednisolone control inflammation, both used for approximately one to two weeks. Meanwhile, preservative-free artificial tears like Refresh Plus or Systane are vital for managing temporary dry eye, with usage continuing for several months. Proper technique and adherence to the prescribed schedule are critical for reducing discomfort, promoting healing, and achieving the best possible long-term visual outcome. Always consult your eye surgeon for specific brand recommendations and usage guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Missing a dose can hinder your healing process and increase the risk of complications like infection or inflammation. It is crucial to adhere to your surgeon's prescribed schedule as closely as possible. If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's specific instructions, which often involve taking the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continuing with the regular schedule.

The duration depends on the type of eye drop. Medicated antibiotic and steroid drops are typically used for a short period, around one to two weeks. Lubricating artificial tears are used longer, often for several months, with the frequency decreasing as your eyes recover from dryness.

Preservative-free artificial tears are recommended after LASIK because preservatives found in multi-dose bottles can be toxic and irritating to the delicate, healing corneal surface, especially with the high frequency of drops needed initially. Preservative-free options are gentler and safer for frequent use.

No. You should only use the specific brands of preservative-free artificial tears recommended by your surgeon. Avoid vasoconstrictor drops (e.g., Visine) that "get the red out," as these contain chemicals that can irritate healing eyes and cause further dryness.

You should wait at least five minutes between applying different eye drops. This prevents the second drop from washing out the first, allowing each medication to be absorbed effectively.

Yes. Dry eye is a very common side effect, affecting most patients temporarily. It is also normal for your vision to fluctuate in the first few months. These symptoms typically improve as your eyes heal with the consistent use of lubricating drops.

If dry eye symptoms persist for an extended period, it is important to contact your eye surgeon. They may recommend alternative treatments, such as medicated drops to stimulate tear production, special gels, or punctal plugs to help retain tears on the eye's surface.