What to Do If Your Eyes Feel Dry After Vision Correction Surgery?

You’ve just had your vision correction surgery — maybe SMILE PRO, LASIK, or ICL implantation — and your vision is finally clear without glasses or contact lenses. But a few days or weeks later, you notice a familiar, uncomfortable feeling: dryness, stinging, or a subtle “gritty” sensation when you blink.

If this sounds like you, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Dry eye symptoms are one of the most common and temporary experiences after vision correction surgery. The good news is that, with proper care and patience, your eyes can recover their natural moisture balance — often becoming even healthier than before.

At SNU Eye Clinic in Gangnam, led by Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a renowned ophthalmic surgeon with decades of refractive and cataract experience, we guide patients through this recovery phase with tailored dry-eye management protocols. Here’s what you should know — and what you can do if your eyes feel dry after surgery.

Why Do Eyes Feel Dry After Vision Correction Surgery?

Dryness after procedures like SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, or ICL is not unusual — it’s part of the healing process.

Let’s break down what’s actually happening inside your eyes.

1. Temporary Disruption of Corneal Nerves

During procedures such as LASIK or SMILE, microscopic corneal nerves are affected. These nerves help control tear production, so when they’re temporarily disrupted, the eye may not signal the need for tears as effectively, leading to temporary dryness.

The good news?
These nerves regenerate naturally over several weeks to months, gradually restoring normal tear function.

2. Changes in Tear Film Stability

Your tear film — a delicate layer that coats and protects the eye — can become unstable immediately after surgery. The procedure, environmental factors, and even reduced blinking (from screen use or post-surgery caution) can all contribute to faster tear evaporation.

3. Reduced Oil (Meibomian) Gland Function

Oil glands along the eyelid margin help prevent tear evaporation. Surgery-related stress, blinking changes, or prior contact lens use can reduce oil flow temporarily, causing tears to evaporate faster.

Dr. Chung often reassures patients:

“Dryness after surgery isn’t a complication — it’s a phase. The key is managing it early and consistently, so the eye heals comfortably and completely.”

Common Symptoms of Post-Surgery Dryness

It’s important to recognize that postoperative dry eye can feel different for each person. Some experience mild discomfort, while others find it more noticeable, especially in air-conditioned or heated environments.

Here are typical signs:

• Scratchy, gritty, or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Mild burning or stinging

• Redness or intermittent blurred vision

• Sensitivity to wind, smoke, or light

• Watery eyes (a reflex to dryness)

• Difficulty wearing eye makeup or looking at screens

If any of these symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, it’s worth checking in with your eye doctor for a customized treatment plan.

How Long Does Dryness Last?

Most patients experience dryness for a few weeks to three months, depending on the procedure and individual healing response.

• SMILE PRO patients usually recover fastest, since the surgery involves no corneal flap and minimal nerve disruption.

• LASIK patients may notice dryness for 2–3 months.

• LASEK or PRK patients, where the surface layer of the cornea regenerates, may have fluctuating dryness for a slightly longer period.

• ICL patients may feel mild dryness from eye drops rather than the procedure itself.

At SNU Eye Clinic, we monitor tear quality, corneal sensitivity, and gland function postoperatively to ensure comfort and long-term stability.

What You Can Do: Step-by-Step Care for Dry Eyes After Surgery

1. Use Prescribed Artificial Tears Regularly

Your surgeon will recommend preservative-free lubricating eye drops, which mimic your natural tears. Use them frequently — even before you feel dryness.
Consistency is key: 4–6 times a day, or as directed.

Tip: Keep single-use vials in your bag, car, or desk to make it easy.

2. Avoid Over-the-Counter Eye Drops with Preservatives

Many commercial drops contain preservatives that can irritate healing tissue. Always choose preservative-free or doctor-recommended brands, especially in the first 3 months.

3. Blink Consciously — Especially at Screens

After surgery, many patients return quickly to work or study. But long screen time can reduce blinking frequency, worsening dryness.

Try the 20-20-20 rule:

Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds — and blink naturally.

4. Manage Your Environment

Modern life often dries our eyes faster than we realize.
To counter this:

• Use a humidifier in your workspace or bedroom.

• Avoid sitting directly under air conditioning or heater vents.

• Stay hydrated — dry environments and dehydration go hand in hand.

5. Warm Compress and Eyelid Hygiene

If your dryness is linked to oil gland blockage (meibomian gland dysfunction), gentle warm compresses can help restore oil flow and tear stability.

Apply a warm (not hot) compress for 5–10 minutes daily, followed by gentle eyelid cleaning with a sterile wipe or diluted baby shampoo.

Dr. Chung emphasizes:

“Good eyelid hygiene is an underrated secret to long-term eye comfort — it helps maintain both tear balance and vision clarity.”

6. Avoid Eye Rubbing or Touching

It may feel tempting to rub your eyes when they’re dry or itchy, but resist.
Rubbing can disturb the healing surface or even cause micro-irritations that prolong dryness. Instead, apply more lubricating drops.

7. Continue Follow-Up Visits

Even if you feel fine, regular postoperative check-ups are crucial.
At SNU Eye Clinic, advanced diagnostic tools measure:

• Tear volume and evaporation rate

• Oil gland function

• Corneal nerve regeneration

This data allows the team to personalize your treatment — from specialized eye drops to in-office dry-eye therapy if needed.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Mild dryness is normal. However, contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:

• Persistent pain or sharp discomfort

• Blurred vision that doesn’t clear with blinking

• Sticky discharge or excessive redness

• Light sensitivity that worsens over time

These could indicate inflammation, infection, or a tear film imbalance requiring medical treatment.

Advanced Care Options at SNU Eye Clinic

While most cases resolve with basic care, SNU Eye Clinic offers specialized therapies for patients with persistent dryness after vision correction:

1. LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation Therapy – to restore oil gland health and improve tear stability.

2. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for Dry Eye – reduces eyelid inflammation and improves tear film quality.

3. Customized Tear Film Analysis – advanced imaging and measurement to tailor precise treatment strategies.

4. Nutritional Support & Omega-3 Counseling – optimizing oil layer quality from the inside out.

These evidence-based treatments are part of the clinic’s integrated, precision-driven approach to lasting eye comfort.

Patient Insight: “My Eyes Felt Dry at First, But It Got Better”

One 34-year-old patient who underwent ICL implantation at SNU Eye Clinic shared:

“The first week, I felt a mild dryness — like wearing contact lenses too long. Dr. Chung reassured me it was temporary. Within a month, it improved dramatically. Now, I barely notice it — and I wake up seeing clearly every day.”

Stories like this remind patients that healing is a process, not a setback. With careful management, dryness fades, leaving only the joy of clear vision behind.

Long-Term Prevention Tips

Even after full recovery, it’s worth maintaining good habits to prevent dryness from recurring:

• Keep artificial tears handy during long flights or winter seasons.

• Maintain a balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed).

• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body.

• Get enough sleep — tired eyes are more prone to dryness.

• Schedule annual eye exams to monitor tear quality and corneal health.

The Bottom Line: Dryness Is Temporary — Clarity Is Permanent

Feeling dryness after vision correction surgery can be uncomfortable, but it’s almost always temporary and manageable. With proper care — from artificial tears to environmental adjustments — your eyes will recover their natural moisture and comfort.

At SNU Eye Clinic, every patient’s journey doesn’t end with surgery. We guide each individual through safe recovery and long-term eye health, combining the precision of Seoul National University and Harvard-trained expertise with compassionate, personalized care.

If you’ve recently had vision correction and feel dryness, don’t ignore it — manage it with professional guidance.
For specialized post-surgery care and advanced dry-eye solutions, visit SNU Eye Clinic in Gangnam, where science, safety, and comfort come together for lasting clarity