When you receive vision correction surgery such as LASIK, LASEK, or lens implantation, not only is the surgery itself important, but maintaining proper care after surgery also plays a crucial role in maintaining corrected vision. Therefore, if you experience any unusual symptoms in your eyes after receiving vision correction surgery, such as LASIK, LASEK, or lens implantation, you may be more sensitive. Among these symptoms, allergies that occur constitutionally can lead to conjunctivitis accompanied by symptoms such as congestion, itching, and eye discharge, which can be a concern when they occur after vision correction surgery.
Risk of allergic conjunctivitis after LASIK or LASEK increases due to itching.
Allergic conjunctivitis is constitutionally occurring regardless of whether you have received vision correction surgery such as LASIK, LASEK, or lens implantation, so it can recur anytime when exposed to the corresponding allergen. In cases where allergic conjunctivitis occurs due to antigens such as fine dust or pollen, not only is the antigen itself a direct irritant to the eyes, but the itching sensation caused by allergic conjunctivitis can induce an impulse to rub the eyes, requiring more attention when it occurs after vision correction surgery such as LASIK, LASEK, or lens implantation.
Risk of corneal flap displacement if you rub your eyes after LASIK
After vision correction surgery such as LASIK, LASEK, or lens implantation, it is essential to be extremely careful about any irritation to the eyes until the vision stabilizes. However, if allergic conjunctivitis occurs before the vision stabilizes and you cannot withstand severe itching and end up rubbing or irritating your eyes, it can negatively affect the quality of your vision. In the case of LASIK surgery, which involves creating a flap-shaped corneal epithelium to correct vision, if you unconsciously rub your eyes due to itching during sleep, the corneal flap may dislocate or wrinkle, and in severe cases, the corneal flap may detach. In the case of LASEK, which corrects vision by removing the corneal epithelium, if the eyes are irritated during the recovery of the corneal epithelium, it may cause corneal haze, where the normally transparent cornea becomes cloudy.
Even if the symptoms are mild, it is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist immediately, and applying cold compress can help relieve itching.
Allergic conjunctivitis can heal naturally over time without any specific treatment. However, if you continue to be exposed to the allergen unknowingly, the symptoms may worsen gradually. Therefore, when allergic conjunctivitis, causing itching eyes after vision correction surgery, occurs, it is essential not to neglect the symptoms and visit an ophthalmologist immediately for relief. If the itching sensation is severe, putting artificial tears or applying cold compresses can also help relieve the symptoms.
Is it okay to use eye drops when allergic conjunctivitis occurs after LASIK or LASEK?
After undergoing vision correction procedures such as LASIK, LASEK, or lens implantation, when eye conditions like allergic conjunctivitis occur, appropriate eye drops can be used to treat the condition. In this case, it is essential not to self-medicate but to seek treatment through consultation with an ophthalmologist.
Until vision stabilizes after procedures like LASIK, LASEK, or lens implantation, it is important to consistently follow the guidance provided by the ophthalmologist for eye care. Even if symptoms are mild, it is advisable to visit the ophthalmologist at the earliest sign of any eye abnormalities to prevent worsening conditions.