Dry eyes Tears play a crucial role in keeping our eyes moist, ensuring clear vision by letting light effectively pass through the eye's lens, and supplying oxygen to nourish the eye. They also help fend off infections and keep foreign substances at bay.   Now, when it comes to dry eyes, it's a pretty common issue that can stem from abnormal tear production or tears evaporating too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, that feeling like there's something foreign in your eye, redness, pain, blurry vision that gets better with blinking, or even feeling like your eyes are tired and heavy. What causes dry eyes can vary—getting older, being a woman (yeah, we're more prone to it), certain allergy medications, spending loads of time on screens, being in places with dust and smoke, gusty winds, and bright lights, they can all have a hand in it.   But hey, the good news is there are ways to tackle dry eyes:   Keep away from things that can make it worse, like strong winds and dust, by popping on some sunglasses and protecting those peepers. Remember to take breaks or blink more often, especially when you're glued to screens for a while. You've got these cool eye drops called artificial tears. There's a type for daytime (more watery) and nighttime (a bit thicker). Which one to use depends on how serious your dry eye situation is. Sometimes your doc might suggest special eye drops that encourage your eyes to make more tears. Give your eyes a treat with warm, clean cloths over your closed eyelids to help them feel better. If the dry eye struggle is real and isn't improving, it's wise to chat with an eye doctor.   All in all, dry eyes can be a bother, but there are solutions out there. It's important to take good care of your eyes, especially when it's all dry outside. If you suspect you've got dry eyes, having a chat with an eye care expert is a smart move.      

SMILE Pro is the latest laser vision correction surgery that doesn’t require a flap, minimizing eye trauma and enabling faster recovery. It’s ideal for people with heavy physical activity or intensive visual use. SMILE Pro uses a high-speed laser to create a tiny lenticule inside the cornea, which is then removed through a small 2–4 mm incision without opening a flap. This reduces impact on the eye and allows for rapid healing. It’s suitable for those looking to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, especially active individuals, heavy visual users, or those concerned about traditional LASIK flap wounds. For people seeking a permanent solution for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, SMILE Pro is a popular choice. The advanced laser technology ensures precision, minimal incisions, fast recovery, and reduced risk of complications—perfect for modern patients who want safe and effective long-term results. What is SMILE Pro? SMILE Pro® is the latest advancement from ReLEx SMILE technology, offering superior speed, precision, and comfort. It uses the Carl ZEISS VisuMax 800 laser, which corrects vision in just 8 seconds per eye, reducing anxiety during the procedure and enhancing patient relaxation.   How SMILE Pro Works SMILE Pro revolutionizes traditional LASIK by eliminating the need for a corneal flap. The high-speed laser creates a lenticule inside the cornea according to the required prescription. The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a small 2 mm incision, permanently reshaping the cornea and improving vision clarity.   Who is SMILE Pro For? SMILE Pro is ideal for people with myopia or astigmatism seeking fast, safe results, including: Those who want to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses due to daily activities or work demands. Active individuals or heavy visual users concerned about flap complications, as no flap is created. Patients aged 18 or older with stable vision for at least one year. Individuals without contraindications such as glaucoma, retinal disorders, or autoimmune eye diseases. Not recommended during pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting vision stability. Patients over 40 may still need reading glasses due to presbyopia.   Where to Get SMILE Pro SMILE Pro is offered at Laser Vision, Bangkok Eye Hospital, providing: The latest VisuMax 800 technology for precise, fast laser correction. Expert ophthalmologists specializing in laser vision correction. Comprehensive care from pre-op assessment to post-op follow-up.   Pre-Procedure Preparation Remove soft contact lenses at least 3 days before and rigid lenses 7 days prior. Avoid eye makeup and sprays or perfumes. Wear front-button clothing and shower/hair wash before surgery. Bring a companion for post-op transportation.   Summary SMILE Pro is an advanced laser vision correction technology using high-speed lasers and tiny incisions for fast recovery and reduced risks. Ideal for myopia and astigmatism patients seeking accurate, safe results. Bangkok Eye Hospital offers expert care, modern equipment, and a price of approximately 90,000 THB per eye. Pre-op assessment is required for best outcomes.   FAQ About SMILE Pro Difference from ReLEx SMILE SMILE Pro is faster (8–10 seconds vs. 25–27 seconds), reducing surgery time and eye impact.   Is it painful? Local anesthetic drops are used; patients feel only slight pressure. Minor irritation may last 3–4 hours.   Can vision regress? SMILE Pro provides permanent correction, but natural age-related changes or eye conditions may alter vision slightly. Regression due to surgery error is rare.

There are several popular types of LASIK, such as PRK, which removes the corneal surface to reshape the cornea; LASIK, which uses a microkeratome blade to create a corneal flap; Femto LASIK, which uses a laser instead of a blade; and ReLEx SMILE, which involves a smaller incision and faster recovery. LASIK is suitable for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, who have a strong and sufficiently thick cornea, and no chronic or severe eye diseases. It is ideal for those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses in daily life. Choosing the most appropriate LASIK technique depends on your vision condition, corneal structure, and lifestyle. It’s best to consult an experienced ophthalmologist for a personalized evaluation and treatment recommendation. What Are the Different Types of LASIK? Vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can significantly affect one’s quality of life. LASIK has become a popular and effective solution for permanent vision correction.Today, there are various LASIK technologies — each with its unique principles, advantages, limitations, and costs.This article explores how many types of LASIK there are, comparing each method’s pros and cons and helping you choose the best technique for your eye condition, budget, and lifestyle.   Main Types of LASIK Surgery LASIK technologies have evolved continuously to meet different vision correction needs. Each type works differently and has its own benefits and precautions:   1. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) The earliest LASIK method. The surgeon removes the outer corneal surface before reshaping the cornea with a laser. The surface gradually regenerates.Pros: No risk of flap displacement; suitable for thin corneas or people with high-impact activities.Cons: Longer recovery (3–5 days of discomfort or blurred vision).   2. TransPRK An advanced form of PRK using Excimer laser to remove the epithelium and reshape the cornea in one step — without touching the eye directly.Pros: No flap creation; ideal for thin corneas.Cons: Similar recovery time to PRK; may cause temporary discomfort.   3. Standard LASIK Traditional LASIK using a microkeratome blade to create a corneal flap, then reshaping with a laser.Pros: Fast recovery, minimal pain.Cons: Possible flap displacement if the eye is hit within 1–3 months.   4. FemtoLASIK (Femtosecond LASIK) An upgraded version of standard LASIK using a Femtosecond laser instead of a blade to create the flap.Pros: More precise, safer, smoother flap surface, faster healing.Cons: Still carries minor flap displacement risk.   5. ReLEx SMILE Uses a Femtosecond laser to create a small tissue lenticule, which is removed through a 2–4 mm incision — no flap creation.Pros: Tiny incision, faster recovery, lower dry-eye risk, better corneal stability.Cons: Suitable only for myopia and astigmatism (not presbyopia).   6. SMILE Pro® The most advanced and comfortable LASIK technology today, using high-speed laser correction — only 8 seconds per eye.Pros: Fast, accurate, less anxiety during the procedure.Cons: Applicable for myopia and astigmatism only.   7. NanoLASIK An enhanced all-laser LASIK using low-energy femtosecond laser and AI-assisted scanning for higher precision.Pros: Painless, accurate, safe, effective for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.   8. NanoReLEx® Uses next-gen femtosecond laser with AI + real-time OCT scanning, creating and removing corneal tissue via a small incision (~2 mm).Pros: Extremely precise, safest option, quick recovery.Cons: Suitable for myopia and astigmatism only.   9. NV LASIK Designed for presbyopia correction, using blended vision — one eye is corrected for distance, the other slightly nearsighted for near focus.Pros: Reduces dependency on reading glasses.Cons: Requires a short adaptation period.   10. Nano NV LASIK An advanced form of FemtoLASIK using ultra-fast femtosecond laser (nanojoule energy) for smooth corneal separation and rapid recovery.Pros: Enhances both near and distance vision for presbyopia; minimal discomfort.Cons: May slightly reduce contrast sensitivity.   Comparison Table: Types of LASIK Type Principle Advantages Precautions PRK Removes surface layer before reshaping cornea No flap, suitable for thin corneas Slower recovery, discomfort TransPRK Laser removes surface and reshapes in one step Touch-free, no flap Slower recovery Standard LASIK Blade creates flap, laser reshapes Fast recovery Flap may shift with impact FemtoLASIK Laser creates flap, no blade High precision, safer Minor flap risks ReLEx SMILE Laser creates small lenticule, removed via tiny incision Small incision, quick recovery Limited to myopia/astigmatism SMILE Pro® Fast femtosecond laser (8 sec/eye) Quick, comfortable Myopia/astigmatism only NanoLASIK Low-energy laser, AI precision Safe, accurate Slight risk if impacted early NanoReLEx® AI-assisted femtosecond laser, OCT scan Highly precise, safest Myopia/astigmatism only NV LASIK Blended vision correction See near & far Needs short adjustment Nano NV LASIK Nano-energy laser for presbyopia Fast recovery, smooth May reduce image sharpness   Who Is a Good Candidate for LASIK? LASIK is effective but not suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates should: Be 18 years or older Have stable vision for at least 1 year Have sufficient corneal thickness Have no severe eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts) Have no uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., diabetes)   Pre-LASIK Preparation Stop wearing contact lenses before surgery Wash your face and hair thoroughly Avoid makeup and wear front-button clothing Do not use perfume or deodorant sprays Avoid alcohol the day before Inform your doctor of all medications Do not drive on the day of surgery — have someone accompany you   Post-LASIK Care and Precautions Do not rub your eyes Avoid getting water in your eyes Do not swim or dive until cleared by your doctor Avoid eye makeup for at least 2 weeks Use prescribed eye drops strictly Wear protective eye shields while sleeping for 1 week Rest your eyes regularly when using screens   How Much Does LASIK Cost? Costs vary by technology. A comprehensive eye evaluation at Bangkok Eye Hospital can help determine the most suitable technique and estimate the total cost, including aftercare and insurance options.   Conclusion How many types of LASIK are there?There are several — such as PRK, LASIK, Femto LASIK, and ReLEx SMILE, each differing in technology, incision size, and recovery time.Choosing the right LASIK method requires professional evaluation to ensure safety, accuracy, and long-term results.Bangkok Eye Hospital offers modern technology and specialized eye care to help you achieve clearer vision confidently.   FAQs About LASIK Types 1. Can I undergo another LASIK procedure with a different technique?Yes, but it depends on your corneal condition and previous method. For example, if you previously had LASIK with a flap, your surgeon may reopen it for enhancement. PRK retreatment is also possible for certain cases.   2. Does the LASIK type affect recovery time?Yes. PRK typically takes several days to a week for recovery, while LASIK, Femto LASIK, and ReLEx SMILE allow clear vision within 1–3 days.   3. Which LASIK technique is best for me?It depends on your vision type, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and budget. Consulting a specialized ophthalmologist is essential for finding the most suitable and effective option.

How long is LASIK recovery? The typical recovery period after LASIK is around 1–2 weeks. Vision gradually improves and fully stabilizes with proper follow-up and care as advised by your doctor. What should you avoid after LASIK? Use prescribed eye drops, avoid rubbing your eyes, keep water out of your eyes, refrain from wearing makeup for at least 2 weeks, and get enough rest to promote faster healing. How often should you follow up after LASIK? Schedule at least 5 follow-up visits — after 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year — to monitor recovery and address any issues. Annual eye exams after the first year are also recommended for long-term eye health. LASIK Surgery and the Importance of Proper Recovery LASIK is one of the most popular vision correction procedures. However, postoperative care and recovery play a vital role in ensuring your eyes heal quickly and safely. This guide explains how long LASIK recovery takes, what precautions to follow, and what you should avoid after surgery to help your eyes recover properly.   LASIK Recovery Timeline Wondering how long it takes to recover after LASIK? Most people experience functional recovery within 1–2 days. However, vision clarity and stability develop over several phases:   Day 1 (Immediately After Surgery) You’ll usually notice better vision right away, though not yet perfectly sharp. It’s normal to feel mild irritation, itching, or tearing during the first few hours.   24–48 Hours After Surgery Eye discomfort should start to subside, and your vision will become noticeably clearer. You can resume light activities such as watching TV or reading briefly, but avoid touching or straining your eyes.   First Week Your vision will continue to stabilize and become clearer. You can return to computer-based work, but remember to rest your eyes frequently.   First Month By this stage, your vision is typically clear and stable, and dry-eye symptoms should gradually improve. You can resume moderate exercise and physical activities.   6 Months – 1 Year Most patients reach full visual stability within this period. Dryness or minor fluctuations usually resolve completely.   Post-LASIK Care: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do Many people wonder not only how long LASIK recovery takes, but also what they should avoid during this period. Proper care varies depending on recovery stage:   The First Night After LASIK: Key Precautions Recovery speed depends greatly on how well you care for your eyes immediately after surgery. On the first night: Get adequate rest, but you may open your eyes and carry out basic activities through the small openings in the protective eye shields. If your surgery was done in the daytime, take a short nap for 2–3 hours afterward. If performed in the evening, go to bed early and take the prescribed mild sleeping pill after dinner. Do not remove your eye shields, unless instructed by your doctor. They prevent accidental eye rubbing or contamination. If your eyes water, gently dab around the shield — never underneath it. If the shields come loose, secure them again with medical tape. You can bathe and brush your teeth, but avoid water contact with your eyes. Use a damp towel to clean your face instead of washing it directly.   First Week After LASIK: Dos and Don’ts During the first week, you should follow these care steps to promote safe recovery: Apply antibiotic drops and artificial tears regularly as prescribed. Continue to wear your protective shields at night to avoid eye rubbing. Keep water and dust away from your eyes. Do not rub your eyes under any circumstances. Avoid wearing makeup, especially around the eyes, for at least 2 weeks. Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce irritation from bright light. After your 1-week follow-up exam, you can wash your face and hair normally without wearing the eye shields. Swimming is allowed about 2 weeks after surgery, once your doctor confirms full healing.   Postoperative Checkups and Long-Term Care After LASIK, you should have scheduled checkups at least five times: 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. During these visits, your ophthalmologist will check your vision stability, monitor for dryness, and ensure proper healing.Even after full recovery, an annual eye exam is recommended to maintain long-term eye health. A strong doctor–patient relationship is essential. Open communication allows timely adjustments to your treatment plan if results differ from expectations, ensuring the best possible visual outcome.   Summary LASIK recovery typically takes about 3–7 days for clear vision to return, and most patients can resume light work within a week. However, strict self-care is essential — avoid rubbing your eyes, makeup, dust, and water exposure, and attend all scheduled follow-ups. If you’re looking for a trusted LASIK center, Bangkok Eye Hospital offers advanced technology, experienced ophthalmic surgeons, and personalized care to ensure a smooth and confident recovery — helping your eyes see the world more clearly than ever.   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About LASIK Recovery Here are answers to some of the most common questions about LASIK recovery time and post-surgery care — designed to help you feel confident at every step of the healing process.   1. How many days after LASIK can I wash my face? Recovery time varies by individual, but generally, you can wash your face after about 7 days. Avoid letting water directly enter your eyes during the first week to prevent infection and irritation.   2. What foods should I avoid after LASIK? Avoid spicy food, fermented products, alcohol, and unsanitary food. These can increase inflammation or infection risk, which may slow down recovery.   3. Can I drive home after LASIK surgery? No, you should not drive immediately after the procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home on the day of your surgery to ensure safety.

Difficulty seeing while driving at night is a condition where vision becomes unclear in low-light environments. It is commonly caused by nearsightedness, astigmatism, dry eyes, or other eye problems, making it harder to see roads or headlights clearly and increasing the risk of accidents. Common causes include mild, unnoticed vision problems such as myopia or astigmatism, dry eyes, glare from oncoming headlights, eye diseases like cataracts, or using low-quality lenses that cause blurred or scattered vision at night. Solutions include having your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist, correcting your prescription, using anti-reflective lenses, applying artificial tears for dry eyes, adjusting dashboard lights, and resting your eyes frequently while driving. Driving at night can be challenging for many people, especially those who experience blurry vision in the dark. This often leads to discomfort, loss of confidence, and higher accident risk. The problem can occur in both people with normal eyesight and those with existing eye issues. Understanding the underlying causes and following proper corrective measures can greatly enhance nighttime driving safety. What Is Nighttime Driving Blur? Nighttime driving blur refers to the difficulty in seeing clearly under low-light conditions—particularly while driving at night. It usually results from vision problems such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, dry eyes, or various eye diseases. These issues can cause blurry images, light halos, or eye strain after long periods of driving in the dark.   Common Causes of Blurry Vision While Driving at Night Experiencing unclear or uncomfortable vision while driving at night is common and can stem from several factors:   1. Nearsightedness (Myopia) Blurry night vision can occur in people with existing nearsightedness, which makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. In low light, pupils dilate to let in more light, which can slightly increase myopia—known as night myopia. This further reduces visual clarity and increases accident risk.   2. Astigmatism Astigmatism can cause lights to appear as starbursts or have ghost images, especially in dim conditions. This makes it harder to judge distances or see vehicles clearly, significantly reducing visibility and increasing accident risk.   3. Presbyopia (Age-related Farsightedness) After age 40, the eye’s lens becomes stiffer, reducing its ability to focus on nearby and intermediate distances. This often affects night vision, making road lights appear scattered or fuzzy. Many middle-aged drivers experience this as part of normal aging.   4. Dry Eyes Dry eyes cause an uneven corneal surface, reducing the smoothness needed for light refraction. This makes night vision worse and can cause burning or irritation during long drives. Eye dryness is one of the most common causes of nighttime discomfort and blurred vision while driving.   5. Genetic Retinal Degeneration Inherited retinal diseases can severely reduce night vision, sometimes leading to night blindness (nyctalopia). People with this condition find it extremely difficult to see in dim environments, making nighttime driving dangerous.   6. Vitamin A Deficiency Severe vitamin A deficiency affects retinal function, which is crucial for vision in low light. This can lead to poor night vision and increase accident risk if not treated properly.   7. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, reducing the amount of light entering the eye. This significantly impairs night vision. Moreover, light from oncoming headlights can scatter due to the cloudy lens, producing glare and halos that further obscure visibility.   How to Improve Night Vision While Driving If you struggle to see clearly at night or feel eye strain and glare while driving, consider the following solutions to improve visibility and comfort.   1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams Regular eye check-ups are essential, especially if you notice blurry vision at night. An ophthalmologist can identify issues such as subtle changes in refractive error, uncorrected astigmatism, or early-stage cataracts that affect low-light vision. If you already wear glasses, tell your doctor specifically about your nighttime driving difficulties. They may recommend updating your prescription or using lenses designed to enhance contrast and reduce glare for safer driving.   2. Choose the Right Lenses Wearing the correct lenses can greatly improve night vision. Those with refractive errors should use precisely measured lenses with anti-reflective (AR) coating, which reduces glare and light scattering, enhances contrast, and minimizes eye fatigue.There are also specialized driving lenses that reduce headlight glare and enhance clarity in low-light conditions, making nighttime driving much safer.   3. Keep Eyes Moisturized For dry eyes, use artificial tears regularly and blink often to maintain corneal moisture. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away. Keep your car’s air conditioning moderate, avoid direct airflow to your eyes, wear wraparound glasses if necessary, and stay hydrated.If symptoms persist, consult an eye doctor for appropriate treatment.   4. Adjust Car Lighting Overly bright dashboard lights can make it harder for your eyes to adapt to darkness. When the car’s interior is too bright, your pupils contract, limiting light intake and reducing visibility outside. Adjust dashboard and GPS brightness to comfortable levels. This minimizes glare, prevents eye fatigue, and helps you focus better on the road ahead. Proper lighting adjustment can significantly improve nighttime visual clarity and driving comfort.   Summary Blurry vision while driving at night can result from multiple causes such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, dry eyes, or cataracts, all of which scatter light and reduce visual clarity. These conditions compromise driving safety in low-light environments. Choosing the right corrective lenses, managing eye dryness, and optimizing car lighting can effectively reduce these problems.If you experience persistent difficulty seeing at night, consult an eye specialist at Bangkok Eye Hospital for a comprehensive eye exam and personalized recommendations to ensure safe and comfortable nighttime driving.   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Blurry Vision While Driving at Night Many drivers find night driving more difficult than daytime driving because of glare, blurred vision, or eye fatigue. Below are some common questions and expert answers.   1. Can LASIK Surgery Help Improve Nighttime Driving Vision? LASIK can correct myopia and astigmatism, which often improves night vision. However, some patients may experience temporary dryness or glare after surgery, causing halos around lights. These usually subside over time, but it’s best to consult your ophthalmologist before undergoing LASIK if night driving is a concern.   2. Why Do I Have Normal Vision During the Day but Blurry Vision at Night? Even if your vision is clear in daylight, nighttime conditions cause your pupils to dilate, revealing minor vision errors that may not affect you during the day. Small amounts of uncorrected nearsightedness or astigmatism can cause blurred or haloed lights at night.   3. How Do Oncoming Headlights Cause Blurry Vision or Glare? Glare from oncoming headlights is a common complaint and may result from several conditions: Astigmatism, which causes light rays to scatter unevenly. Cataracts, which make the lens cloudy and scatter light inside the eye. Dry eyes, which roughen the corneal surface and distort light refraction. Poor-quality lenses or glasses without anti-reflective coating, which fail to block excess light. Managing these factors—through proper eye care, quality eyewear, and good lighting habits—can significantly improve comfort and visibility when driving at night.

Dry eye after LASIK occurs due to the surgery affecting the function of the tear glands, causing reduced tear production and imbalance in the tear film, which leads to eyes feeling dry and less hydrated. Post-LASIK dry eye is usually not dangerous, but if left unmanaged, it can cause irritation or increase the risk of infection. You should consult a doctor if symptoms are severe or persist. Artificial tears after LASIK help moisturize the eyes, relieve dryness and irritation, promote faster recovery, and reduce the risk of complications. After LASIK, many people experience dry eyes, a common issue that can cause significant discomfort. Understanding the causes and proper care—such as using artificial tears or adjusting daily habits—can help restore eye health quickly and safely, allowing you to return to normal life comfortably. Causes of Dry Eye After LASIK The main causes of dry eye after LASIK are related to temporary effects of the surgery on eye function, such as:   Corneal flap creation During LASIK, a laser creates a flap in the cornea, cutting some corneal nerves that normally send signals to the brain to stimulate tear production. This temporarily reduces tear production.   Corneal surface inflammation LASIK causes mild inflammation on the corneal surface, affecting tear film balance. Normally, the tear film lubricates and protects the eye, but when it becomes unstable, tears evaporate faster, causing dry, irritated eyes. Frequent use of artificial tears can help restore moisture and relieve discomfort.   Pre-existing dry eye Patients who already have dry eye before LASIK may experience worsened symptoms after surgery. The procedure affects tear glands and tear film, increasing dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Inform your ophthalmologist beforehand and prepare for close post-surgery care.   Is Dry Eye After LASIK Dangerous? Dry eye is common after LASIK and usually not severe. It can cause discomfort, burning, or irritation for a period after surgery. The main reason is that surgery affects tear gland function and tear quality, reducing tear production. With proper care and following medical advice, dry eye usually improves and resolves within a few weeks to months.   The Importance of Artificial Tears After LASIK The most effective way to relieve post-LASIK dry eye is frequent use of artificial tears as directed by your doctor, especially in the first week after surgery. Artificial tears contain moisturizing agents like hypromellose, sodium hyaluronate, or carboxymethylcellulose. They are essential for all LASIK patients, helping restore moisture, reduce burning, and relieve dry eye—a common side effect in the first six months after surgery. LASIK affects the cornea and tear production, making artificial tears crucial.   Which Artificial Tears Should You Use? Artificial tears come in various types and formulations to suit individual needs, including: Preservative-free single-use vialsThese are used within 24 hours of opening, feel comfortable on the eyes, have lower risk of allergy, but are more expensive than preservative-containing versions.   Self-Care to Relieve Dry Eye After LASIK Proper self-care is essential in addition to artificial tears, helping eyes recover fully. Recommendations include: Take regular breaksAvoid prolonged screen time. Follow the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet (≈6 meters) away for 20 seconds to reduce strain and maintain moisture. Use eye shields as directedImmediately after surgery, use eye shields to protect from dirt and prevent irritation. Follow doctor instructions, usually for the first day and then nightly for one week, except when applying prescribed drops. Avoid dry environmentsStay away from direct air conditioning, fans, strong wind, or smoke, as these can worsen dryness. Artificial tears help maintain moisture in such conditions. Avoid water contactDo not swim, splash your eyes, or wash your face forcefully to prevent infection or interfere with healing. Avoid eye makeupEyes are sensitive after LASIK, particularly during dry eye recovery. Avoid makeup unless advised by your ophthalmologist, usually allowed one week after surgery. Avoid dustExposure to dust or dirt can cause irritation or infection. Protect eyes with glasses or masks if needed and wash hands before touching eyes. Support eye healthStay hydrated to promote natural tear production. Omega-3 supplements (fish oil or flaxseed) can improve tear quality and reduce dryness.   Summary Dry eye after LASIK is a common side effect caused by surgery affecting tear production, leading to dryness and irritation. Proper care—such as preservative-free artificial tears, adequate hydration, and avoiding dust—helps relieve symptoms and speeds recovery. Choosing the right type of artificial tears according to doctor recommendations is important. Bangkok Eye Hospital provides LASIK with advanced technology and post-surgery care for safe and effective results.   FAQ About Dry Eye After LASIK   How long does dry eye last after LASIK? Symptoms usually improve and resolve within 3–6 months as corneal nerves recover, though some individuals may take slightly longer.   Which artificial tears are best? Preservative-free artificial tears are recommended because they are gentle and can be used frequently without causing irritation. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.   Can I wear contact lenses if my eyes are dry? No, avoid contact lenses during recovery, as they can increase friction, irritation, and complications.