Comfort plugs
Refractive surgery and dry eyes
Dryness of the eyes is a condition that some patients may experience after having undergone laser vision correction. While this condition is temporary – lasting from a few weeks to a few months depending on the patient – there is a new treatment that can help alleviate dry eye symptoms. A microscopic plug, called a comfort plug, can be inserted into a patient's tear ducts to increase the level of the tear film. As a result, comfort plugs maintain the moisture in the patient's eyes, relieving the unpleasant symptoms of dry eyes.
Do you have dry eyes?
The following symptoms are commonly associated with dry eyes:
- Burning, itchy eyes
- Redness
- Vision that is blurry until you blink
- Excessive tearing
- Sensation of having sand in your eye
If you have one or more of the following symptoms, comfort plugs can alleviate the irritation. They can help you achieve comfort and a better quality of vision. With the use of comfort plugs, the need for purchasing artificial tear drops, both prior to and following surgery, is drastically reduced.
Silicone comfort plugs
For those who have experienced dry eye symptoms prior to refractive surgery, the silicone plug may be the best solution.
With a silicone comfort plug, the patient keeps the plugs in their eyes for a very long time. It is important to note, however, that they can be removed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist if needed. Silicone comfort plugs ease the symptoms of those that suffer chronically from this problem.
A LASIK MD eye care specialist will examine the condition of your eyes and advise you on which solution best meets your needs.
LASIK MD does not assume responsibility for the loss of comfort plugs.