{"id":1960,"date":"2026-10-20T08:54:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/eye-health\/laser-eye-surgery\/dry-eyes-and-halos-after-laser-surgery-causes-and-fixes\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:59:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:59:15","slug":"dry-eyes-and-halos-after-laser-surgery-causes-and-fixes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/laser-eye-surgery\/dry-eyes-and-halos-after-laser-surgery-causes-and-fixes\/","title":{"rendered":"Dry eyes and halos after laser surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) Start -->\n<section class=\"page-hero\" id=\"top\">\n\t<div class=\"phero-inner pad with-media container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-left col-12 col-lg-7\">\n\t\t\t<div data-hero-in><ol class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/\">Home<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/\">Knowledge centre<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/laser-eye-surgery\/\">Laser eye surgery guides<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Dry eyes and halos after laser surgery<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t<h1 class=\"t64 hero-title phero-title\" data-lines>Dry Eyes After Laser Eye Surgery and Halos at Night: Causes and Fixes<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 phero-lead\" data-hero-in>Why a healing cornea feels dry and scatters light, how long it usually lasts after LASIK, SMILE and PRK, what helps, and when to call your surgeon.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"phero-meta\" data-hero-in><li><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg>Medically reviewed by <span class=\"ph\">{{surgeon}}<\/span>, <span class=\"ph\">{{surgeon&#8217;s title and specialty}}<\/span>, on <span class=\"ph\">{{review date}}<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg>Last updated <span class=\"ph\">{{date}}<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-right has-media col-12 col-lg-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"phero-media\" data-hero-in><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Illustration of an iris on a light background\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light.webp 1000w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inshort\" data-hero-in><p>Dry eyes after laser eye surgery, and halos around lights at night, are common and usually temporary side effects of a healing cornea. Dryness is worst in the first month and, for most people, settles within 3\u20136 months; it is generally milder after SMILE than after LASIK. Halos and glare around lights usually fade over the same period. Lubricating drops, lid care and careful pre-operative screening help most people, and longer-lasting symptoms have specific treatments.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"why\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Close-up of a blue eye\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-768x768.webp 768w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"eyebrow\" data-reveal>Why do you get dry eyes after laser eye surgery?<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>The cornea is wired to notice dryness<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><p>Your cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye, is one of the most sensitive tissues in the body: it has an estimated 300 to 600 times as many pain-sensing nerve endings as skin. Those nerves do an important job you never notice. They sense when the surface is drying out and trigger blinking and tear production.<\/p>\n<p>Every type of laser eye surgery disturbs some of these nerves, because the laser has to work on the cornea. In LASIK, the surgeon creates a thin flap before the laser reshapes the tissue underneath, and cutting that flap severs many of the nerves running across the cornea. In the first month after LASIK, the density of the nerve network just under the surface falls by more than 90%. With fewer signals reaching the brain, you blink a little less, the glands make fewer reflex tears, and the tear film becomes less stable. Mild inflammation of the eye&#8217;s surface adds to the problem.<\/p>\n<p>That is why dry eye is the most common side effect of laser vision correction. Using modern diagnostic criteria, 60\u201370% of people have signs of dry eye in the early weeks after LASIK. A review in <em>Community Eye Health<\/em> puts the figure for some degree of dryness at over 90% of patients after corneal laser surgery, most bothersome in the first month and improving over 3\u201312 months.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Some people are more likely to be affected<\/h2><div class=\"features four row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-4\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Existing dry eye<\/h3><p>People who already had dry eye or blocked oil glands in the eyelids (meibomian gland dysfunction) before surgery.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-user\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Women<\/h3><p>Dry eye after laser surgery is reported more often in women.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-glasses\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Higher prescriptions<\/h3><p>Where more tissue is treated.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-pill\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Some medicines<\/h3><p>Medicines that reduce tears, such as some antihistamines or hormone replacement therapy.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"intro-grid row mt-v4\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h3 class=\"t32\" data-reveal>Can dry eye cause blurred vision?<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>Yes. A dry or uneven tear film scatters light, so vision can blur on and off, especially when reading, driving or using a screen, and then clear when you blink. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that dry eye after LASIK can reduce visual quality through intermittent blurring. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) says almost everyone has dry eyes and vision that changes during the day after LASIK, and that this usually fades within a month. Blur that does not clear with blinking, or that gets worse, needs a check with your surgeon.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>Other typical symptoms are a gritty or scratchy feeling, burning or stinging, red eyes, sensitivity to light and, surprisingly often, watery eyes, because an irritated eye produces bursts of reflex tears that don&#8217;t spread well.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"howlong\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>How long does dry eye last after LASIK, SMILE and PRK?<\/h2><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>For most people, dry eye after laser surgery is temporary: symptoms usually resolve within 3 to 6 months, although a small proportion of people still have symptoms more than a year later. How long it lasts depends partly on the procedure, because each one affects the corneal nerves differently.<\/p><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\"><\/th><th scope=\"col\">LASIK \/ Femto-LASIK<\/th><th scope=\"col\">SMILE \/ SMILE Pro<\/th><th scope=\"col\">PRK \/ surface laser (incl. no-touch)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">How the laser reaches the cornea<\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK \/ Femto-LASIK\">A thin flap is lifted, the tissue underneath is reshaped and the flap is laid back<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">A small disc of tissue is removed through a 2\u20134 mm keyhole cut; no flap<\/td><td data-label=\"PRK \/ surface laser (incl. no-touch)\">The thin surface layer is removed and the surface is reshaped; the surface cells grow back over 3\u20134 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Early dry eye<\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK \/ Femto-LASIK\">Very common: 60\u201370% in the early weeks (modern criteria)<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">Usually milder than after LASIK<\/td><td data-label=\"PRK \/ surface laser (incl. no-touch)\">Discomfort is worst on days 2\u20133 while the surface heals<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">What studies show<\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK \/ Femto-LASIK\">Symptoms usually settle within 3\u20136 months; a small number last beyond a year<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">In a meta-analysis of six studies, symptom scores were back to pre-surgery levels at 6 months after SMILE but still raised after Femto-LASIK<\/td><td data-label=\"PRK \/ surface laser (incl. no-touch)\">In a 2023 study, dry-eye scores 6 months after surgery were lower after PRK and LASEK than after LASIK<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Corneal sensation recovers<\/th><td data-label=\"LASIK \/ Femto-LASIK\">About 95% of normal by 1 year; nerve density near normal from 6 to 16 months<\/td><td data-label=\"SMILE \/ SMILE Pro\">About 79% at 3 months and 86% at 6 months<\/td><td data-label=\"PRK \/ surface laser (incl. no-touch)\">85\u201395% within 3 months; nerve network back to its pre-surgery density at about 2 years<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p class=\"t22 opacity-75 mt-v14\" data-reveal><em>Figures are averages from published studies (see Sources); your own recovery depends on your eyes, your prescription and how your surface heals.<\/em><\/p><div class=\"mt-v2\"><blockquote class=\"quote\" data-reveal><p class=\"t32\">What this means for you: if you are prone to dry eye, the choice of procedure matters. Dry eye after SMILE, and dry eye after PRK once the surface has healed, tend to be milder than after LASIK, because these methods spare more of the corneal nerves than a LASIK flap does. That is one reason your surgeon may recommend them. The trade-off is that PRK is more uncomfortable for the first few days and vision takes longer to settle.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/div><div class=\"intro-grid row mt-v3\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h3 class=\"t32\" data-reveal>Contact lenses and dry eyes: will laser surgery make it worse?<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>Not necessarily. Many people choose laser surgery because their eyes no longer tolerate contact lenses, and lens-related dryness is not the same as dry eye disease. In the US PROWL studies of 534 LASIK patients, the share of people with normal dry-eye scores was higher after surgery than before it (in one group, 55% before, 66% at 3 months and 73% at 6 months). The same studies also found that about 28% of people who had no dry-eye symptoms before surgery reported mild to severe symptoms at 3 months. Your surgeon tests your tear film after a break from your lenses to work out which group you are likely to be in.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Text left, image right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"halos\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split rev\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media tall\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-dark-1024x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Illustration of an iris on a dark background\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-dark-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-dark-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-dark-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-dark-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-dark.webp 1400w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"eyebrow\" data-reveal>Halos and glare<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>What causes halos and glare after laser eye surgery?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><p>Halos are bright rings around lights, glare is a dazzle that makes lights harder to look at, and starbursts are rays spreading out from a light. All three are most noticeable at night, for example with car headlights or street lamps, because that is when your pupil is widest.<\/p>\n<p>They happen for several reasons:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>The cornea is still healing.<\/strong> In the first weeks, the treated surface and the flap interface are not yet perfectly smooth, and light scatters as it passes through.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dry eye.<\/strong> A patchy tear film is an uneven optical surface, so dry eye on its own can cause halos and fluctuating vision.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Small optical imperfections.<\/strong> Reshaping the cornea, and in LASIK creating the flap itself, introduces subtle optical errors called higher-order aberrations (mainly spherical aberration and coma). Glasses cannot correct these, and they show up most in dim light.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pupil size versus treatment zone.<\/strong> If your pupil opens wider in the dark than the area the laser treated, light passes through both the treated and the untreated edge of the cornea and forms a blurred ring.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Higher prescriptions and leftover prescription.<\/strong> Larger corrections, a treatment zone that is slightly off-centre, small folds in a LASIK flap or a small remaining prescription all make night-vision symptoms more likely.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Text left, image right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>How common are they, and do they go away?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Fairly common at first. In the PROWL studies, 43\u201346% of people reported a new visual symptom such as glare, halos, starbursts or double images 3 months after LASIK. EyeWiki, the AAO&#8217;s clinical encyclopedia, puts the proportion reporting some visual change after LASIK at about 20% and says these disturbances tend to settle 3 to 6 months after surgery. The NHS likewise says glare, halos and starbursts normally improve within a few months. Most people adapt well: dissatisfaction with vision in PROWL was 1\u20134%. In a small number, symptoms persist; the FDA notes that some patients develop glare, halos or double vision that can seriously affect night vision.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Symptom<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What you notice<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Most likely cause<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Usual course<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Halos<\/th><td data-label=\"What you notice\">Rings around lights at night<\/td><td data-label=\"Most likely cause\">Healing surface, dry eye, pupil larger than the treated zone<\/td><td data-label=\"Usual course\">Fades over weeks; usually settled by 3\u20136 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Glare<\/th><td data-label=\"What you notice\">Dazzle from headlights or sunlight<\/td><td data-label=\"Most likely cause\">Light scatter from the healing or dry surface<\/td><td data-label=\"Usual course\">Improves as the surface heals and the tear film recovers<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Starbursts<\/th><td data-label=\"What you notice\">Rays around point lights<\/td><td data-label=\"Most likely cause\">Higher-order aberrations, flap folds<\/td><td data-label=\"Usual course\">Often improves within 3\u20136 months; can persist in a minority<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Fluctuating blur<\/th><td data-label=\"What you notice\">Vision clears after blinking<\/td><td data-label=\"Most likely cause\">Dry eye<\/td><td data-label=\"Usual course\">Improves as dryness is treated<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"helps\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>What helps dry eyes after laser eye surgery?<\/h2><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Treatment is stepped: start simple, and add more only if symptoms continue. Your surgeon decides which steps you need.<\/p><ol class=\"steps row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger><li class=\"col\"><div class=\"step h-100\"><h3>Everyday care<\/h3><p>Preservative-free lubricating drops used often, warm compresses, eyelid cleaning, a humidifier, screen breaks, sunglasses outdoors. For everyone, from the day after surgery.<\/p><\/div><\/li><li class=\"col\"><div class=\"step h-100\"><h3>Prescription treatment<\/h3><p>Anti-inflammatory drops such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast, a short course of mild steroid drops, punctal plugs (tiny plugs that keep tears on the eye longer). For dryness that continues despite step 1.<\/p><\/div><\/li><li class=\"col\"><div class=\"step h-100\"><h3>Specialist treatment<\/h3><p>Eye drops made from your own blood serum, nerve-growth-factor drops, intense pulsed light (IPL) for the eyelid oil glands, scleral contact lenses. For severe or long-lasting cases.<\/p><\/div><\/li><\/ol><div class=\"intro-grid row mt-v4\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h3 class=\"t32\" data-reveal>What are the best eye drops for dry eyes after laser surgery?<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>Preservative-free artificial tears are the first choice of eye drops for dry eyes after surgery. There is no single best brand: what matters is that the drops are preservative-free, because you may use them many times a day while the surface heals. In the first weeks, use only the drops your surgeon prescribes, in the order and at the times written on your sheet; your antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops after surgery are part of your treatment, not optional extras. If lubricating drops are not enough after a few weeks, tell your surgeon rather than switching brands repeatedly.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Cards (Feature cards: 5 short tips) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\">\n\t<div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"eyebrow\" data-reveal>How to treat dry eyes at home<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Simple habits the US National Eye Institute recommends<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"features five white row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-5\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-screen\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p>Take regular breaks from computers, tablets and phones, and remind yourself to blink fully<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-wave\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p>Avoid smoke, wind and air conditioning blowing into your face, and use a humidifier in dry rooms<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-sun\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p>Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p>Drink plenty of water (NEI suggests 8 to 10 glasses a day) and sleep 7 to 8 hours a night<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-eye\"\/><\/svg><\/span><p>Use a warm compress and gentle eyelid cleaning if your surgeon advises it, to help the oil glands work<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"intro-grid qa-block row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h3 class=\"t32\" data-reveal>Can dry eyes be cured permanently?<\/h3><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>For most laser patients, dry eye is not a permanent condition to cure: it fades as the corneal nerves regrow, usually within months. For a small number of people, dryness lasts longer, and the FDA notes that severe dry eye after LASIK may be permanent. In that case treatment aims to keep the eyes comfortable and vision stable, using the prescription and specialist options above. The best protection is prevention: finding and treating dry eye before surgery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Cards (Feature cards: 5 short tips) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Cards (Feature cards: 4 columns) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"haloshelp\">\n\t<div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>What helps halos and glare?<\/h2><div class=\"features four row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-4\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-clock\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Time<\/h3><p>Most halos and glare fade as the cornea heals, usually within 3\u20136 months. Your surgeon will normally wait for your eyes to settle before considering any further treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Treating dry eye<\/h3><p>A smoother tear film scatters less light, so the dry-eye steps above often reduce halos too.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-car\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Care with night driving<\/h3><p>Don&#8217;t drive at night until your surgeon has confirmed that your vision meets the driving standard and you feel confident with headlights.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-glasses\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Glasses for night driving<\/h3><p>If a small leftover prescription is part of the cause, a thin pair of glasses for driving at night can sharpen lights.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-moon\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Pupil-constricting drops<\/h3><p>Drops such as brimonidine or pilocarpine make the pupil smaller in dim light, so less light passes through the edge of the treated zone. These are prescription medicines.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-bolt\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Laser enhancement<\/h3><p>For persistent symptoms caused by optical imperfections, a wavefront-guided or topography-guided retreatment can help once the eye is stable, if the cornea is thick enough.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-lens\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Specialty contact lenses<\/h3><p>For the rare case that does not respond, specially designed contact lenses can mask the irregularity.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Cards (Feature cards: 4 columns) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\" id=\"surgeon\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"features two row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat is-warn h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-warn\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Contact your surgeon the same day if you notice any of these<\/h3><ul class=\"prose\" data-stagger><li>pain that is getting worse rather than better<\/li><li>increasing redness, sensitivity to light or discharge<\/li><li>vision that is getting worse, or a sudden drop in vision in one eye<\/li><\/ul>\n<p>These can be signs of an infection (microbial keratitis) or inflammation under the flap (diffuse lamellar keratitis). Both are uncommon, but both need prompt treatment. While you are in Istanbul, call your coordinator; once you are home, contact your surgeon and, if you cannot reach them quickly, go to your nearest eye emergency service.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-calendar\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Book a review if<\/h3><ul class=\"prose\" data-stagger>\n<li>dryness is still bothering you after a few weeks of regular lubricating drops<\/li>\n<li>halos or glare still affect your night driving 3\u20136 months after surgery<\/li>\n<li>your vision slowly becomes less sharp months or years later. A rare complication called ectasia, a weakening and bulging of the cornea, affects 0.04\u20130.5% of patients and can appear months to years after surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Photo band with overlay card) Start -->\n<section class=\"interior band\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<div class=\"interior-media\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1184\" height=\"646\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/patient-coordinator-and-interpreter.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A patient talking with a patient coordinator\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/patient-coordinator-and-interpreter.webp 1184w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/patient-coordinator-and-interpreter-300x164.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/patient-coordinator-and-interpreter-1024x559.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/patient-coordinator-and-interpreter-768x419.webp 768w\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"interior-card\" data-reveal>\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\">Followed up at home, not forgotten<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\">With Laser Istanbul Clinic, your surgeon checks your eyes before you fly home, and your coordinator and surgeon follow your recovery remotely, by video, at agreed intervals. If you need to be seen in person, we help you arrange it with a local optometrist or ophthalmologist and share your full surgical records.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/how-it-works\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">How it works, step by step<\/span><\/a>\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Photo band with overlay card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"preop\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>How do pre-operative tests reduce the risk?<\/h2><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Most long-lasting dry eye and night-vision problems are predictable. The aim of the pre-operative examination is to find the people at risk before surgery, treat what can be treated, and choose the right procedure, or no laser at all.<\/p><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Test<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What it checks<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Why it matters for dry eye and halos<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Symptom questionnaire (such as OSDI)<\/th><td data-label=\"What it checks\">How dry and uncomfortable your eyes feel day to day<\/td><td data-label=\"Why it matters for dry eye and halos\">Pre-existing dry eye is the strongest warning sign<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Tear break-up time and surface staining<\/th><td data-label=\"What it checks\">How quickly your tear film breaks up; dry spots on the surface<\/td><td data-label=\"Why it matters for dry eye and halos\">An unstable tear film is treated before surgery<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Schirmer test and tear osmolarity<\/th><td data-label=\"What it checks\">How many tears you make and how concentrated they are<\/td><td data-label=\"Why it matters for dry eye and halos\">Low or salty tears point to dry eye disease<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Meibography and eyelid examination<\/th><td data-label=\"What it checks\">The oil glands that stop tears evaporating<\/td><td data-label=\"Why it matters for dry eye and halos\">Blocked glands are treated first, often improving comfort after surgery<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Corneal topography and thickness measurement (pachymetry)<\/th><td data-label=\"What it checks\">The shape and thickness of your cornea<\/td><td data-label=\"Why it matters for dry eye and halos\">Rules out keratoconus and thin corneas; shows how much tissue can safely be treated and whether an enhancement would be possible later<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Pupil size and prescription<\/th><td data-label=\"What it checks\">How wide your pupil opens and how strong your correction is<\/td><td data-label=\"Why it matters for dry eye and halos\">Helps plan a treatment zone that suits your eyes and flags a higher risk of night halos<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div class=\"mt-v3\"><div class=\"features four row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-4\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Treat dry eye or eyelid disease first<\/h3><p>And repeat the tests before setting a surgery date.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-bolt\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Recommend SMILE or a surface treatment such as PRK<\/h3><p>Instead of LASIK, because they spare more corneal nerves.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-cross\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Advise against laser altogether<\/h3><p>The AAO lists severe dry eye, corneas that are too thin, corneal disease and keratoconus among the reasons a person is not a candidate for LASIK.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><a class=\"feat h-100\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/laser-eye-surgery\/why-not-laser-after-45-laser-vs-lens-surgery-by-age\/\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-lens\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Suggest lens surgery instead<\/h3><p>From the mid-40s, lens replacement can be a better option than laser for some people.<\/p><span class=\"feat-go\">Why not laser after 45? <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><p class=\"t22 sec-intro mt-v24\" data-reveal>Before your examination, leave your contact lenses out for <span class=\"ph\">{{contact-lens break before the pre-op exam: soft \/ toric \/ rigid lenses}}<\/span>, because lenses can temporarily change the shape of the cornea and the tear film, and the measurements need to reflect your natural eye.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Eye Tool (Tool cards) Start -->\r\n<section class=\"tools\" id=\"related\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\r\n\t<div class=\"tools-inner pad\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sec-row\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Related guides<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Written and reviewed by our surgeons.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tool-grid row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-4\" data-stagger>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\"><a class=\"tool h-100\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/\"><span class=\"tool-tag t22\">Money page<\/span><h3 class=\"t32\">Laser eye surgery in Turkey<\/h3><p class=\"t22\">Methods, suitability, recovery and what is included. Your surgeon checks your tear film, cornea and pupils before recommending LASIK, SMILE Pro or PRK. Laser surgery is led by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131 and Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram.<\/p><span class=\"tool-go\">Laser eye surgery in Turkey <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\"><a class=\"tool h-100\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/laser-eye-surgery\/will-vision-be-6-6-after-lasik\/\"><span class=\"tool-tag t22\">Guide<\/span><h3 class=\"t32\">Will vision be 6\/6 (20\/20) after LASIK?<\/h3><p class=\"t22\">What the studies show about the vision most people reach.<\/p><span class=\"tool-go\">Read more <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\"><a class=\"tool h-100\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/laser-eye-surgery\/why-not-laser-after-45-laser-vs-lens-surgery-by-age\/\"><span class=\"tool-tag t22\">Guide<\/span><h3 class=\"t32\">Why not laser after 45?<\/h3><p class=\"t22\">Laser vs lens surgery by age.<\/p><span class=\"tool-go\">Read more <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\"><a class=\"tool h-100\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/laser-eye-surgery\/\"><span class=\"tool-tag t22\">Hub<\/span><h3 class=\"t32\">All laser eye surgery guides<\/h3><p class=\"t22\">Every guide about LASIK, SMILE Pro, PRK and recovery.<\/p><span class=\"tool-go\">See all guides <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\r\n<!-- Eye Tool (Tool cards) End -->\r\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) Start -->\n<section class=\"faq pad\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"faq-grid\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-side\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"acc\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item is-open\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a1\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q1\">How long does dry eye last after LASIK?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q1\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">For most people, dry eye after LASIK settles within 3 to 6 months. It is worst in the first month and improves as the corneal nerves regrow; sensation is back to about 95% of normal by a year. A small minority still have symptoms beyond a year and need longer-term treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a2\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q2\">Is dry eye worse after LASIK or SMILE?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q2\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Dry eye is usually milder and shorter after SMILE. SMILE uses a small keyhole incision instead of a flap, so fewer corneal nerves are cut. In a meta-analysis, symptom scores were back to normal 6 months after SMILE but still raised after Femto-LASIK.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a3\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q3\">Will dry eye cause blurred vision?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q3\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Yes, dry eye can cause blurred vision that comes and goes, typically clearing when you blink. It is common in the first weeks after laser surgery and improves as the tear film recovers. Blur that does not clear, or that gets worse, should be checked by your surgeon.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a4\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q4\">Are halos after LASIK permanent?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q4\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Usually not. For most people, halos fade within 3\u20136 months as the cornea heals and the brain adapts. In a small number they persist; treatments then include pupil-constricting drops, night-driving glasses and, in suitable eyes, a laser enhancement.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a5\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q5\">Which eye drops are best for dry eyes after laser surgery?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q5\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Preservative-free lubricating drops are the usual first choice, used as often as your surgeon advises. During the first weeks, follow your written drop schedule exactly. If lubricants are not enough, your surgeon can prescribe anti-inflammatory drops or other treatments.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a6\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q6\">I already have dry eyes. Can I still have laser eye surgery?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q6\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Often yes, after your dry eye has been treated and your tear film tests are acceptable. Your surgeon may prefer SMILE or PRK in that case. People with severe dry eye are not suitable for LASIK and may be offered a different treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a7\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q7\">Can I fly home if my eyes feel dry?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-9bad0e5b-a7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-9bad0e5b-q7\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Yes. Most patients fly 1\u20133 days after laser eye surgery, once their surgeon has checked the eyes. Cabin air is dry, so keep your lubricating drops in your hand luggage and use them often during the flight.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does dry eye last after LASIK?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"For most people, dry eye after LASIK settles within 3 to 6 months. It is worst in the first month and improves as the corneal nerves regrow; sensation is back to about 95% of normal by a year. A small minority still have symptoms beyond a year and need longer-term treatment.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is dry eye worse after LASIK or SMILE?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Dry eye is usually milder and shorter after SMILE. SMILE uses a small keyhole incision instead of a flap, so fewer corneal nerves are cut. 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People with severe dry eye are not suitable for LASIK and may be offered a different treatment.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I fly home if my eyes feel dry?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Most patients fly 1\u20133 days after laser eye surgery, once their surgeon has checked the eyes. Cabin air is dry, so keep your lubricating drops in your hand luggage and use them often during the flight.\"}}]}<\/script><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><details class=\"sources\" data-reveal><summary class=\"t22\">Sources for the facts on this page<\/summary><ol>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). Dry Eyes After Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK).<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). LASIK Complications.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). Photorefractive Keratectomy.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Ying J, et al. Complications in patients who have undergone laser refractive surgery. <em>Community Eye Health<\/em> 2024;37(123):15\u201318.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Shen Z, et al. Dry Eye after SMILE versus FS-LASIK for Myopia: A Meta-Analysis. <em>PLoS One<\/em> 2016.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Yahalomi T, et al. Dry Eye Disease following LASIK, PRK, and LASEK. <em>Journal of Clinical Medicine<\/em> 2023.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Bandeira F, et al. Corneal re-innervation following refractive surgery treatments. <em>Neural Regeneration Research<\/em> 2019.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Dossari SK. Post-refractive Surgery Dry Eye: A Systematic Review. <em>Cureus<\/em> 2024.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeNet. Postoperative Symptoms and Satisfaction With LASIK Surgery (PROWL studies, <em>JAMA Ophthalmology<\/em> 2017).<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EurekAlert! (JAMA Network). Substantial percentage of patients surveyed report new visual symptoms following LASIK surgery.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>US Food and Drug Administration. LASIK: What are the risks and how can I find the right doctor for me?<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. LASIK \u2014 Laser Eye Surgery.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. Facts About LASIK Complications.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>NHS. Laser eye surgery and lens surgery. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/tests-and-treatments\/laser-eye-surgery-and-lens-surgery\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">nhs.uk<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li>National Eye Institute (NIH). Dry Eye.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Ludwig PE, et al. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eye Cornea. <em>StatPearls<\/em>.<\/li>\n\t<\/ol><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) Start -->\n<section class=\"cta-band\" id=\"assessment\">\n\t<div class=\"contact-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"cta-inner pad container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-7\"><div class=\"cta-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t64\" data-reveal>Thinking about laser eye surgery, and worried about dry eyes?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Your surgeon checks your tear film, cornea and pupils before recommending LASIK, SMILE Pro or PRK, and tells you honestly if laser is not right for your eyes. Upload your prescription and scans for a free opinion.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-actions\" data-reveal><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Free online consultation: upload your prescription and scans<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-5\"><div class=\"proof-card\" data-reveal>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"proof-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"t48\">3 eye surgeons<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\">Your case is reviewed by a named surgeon, not a salesperson. Reply within <span class=\"ph\">{{response time}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"avatars\" aria-label=\"Our surgeons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Op. 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