PRK coming, dry eyes

[monicabp]

Dear Dr. I was reading a post about PRK surgery and dry eyes. I have the same problem. I have dry eyes as well, that is why my surgeon told me I wasn't a good candidate for LASIK. He only mentioned that I will need to be very careful and keep my eyes "wet" with eye drops etc,.. he also mentioned the recovery is longer, actually he said about a week, but after reading I saw that is way longer than that.
I usually don't wear contact because I don't feel comfortable, when I wear them I feel like if my eye is burning and I just better quit. Yesterday I had a "funny" episode. I wore contacts for an event and after 5 hrs after I tried to remove them without success, they were basically "glued/attached" to my eye, had to use lots of eye drops and still had to remove them sticking my nails to them. Now I am scared, after reading the previous post. I never thought I had a dry eye problem since nothing bothers me(but contact, actually just to put them, then I feel nothing while wearing them). I read that you recommended to go thru special eye drop medication before the surgery, but I have had second thoughts about my PRK surgery. The dr. assured I will be ok, but not sure if he is just thinking in the income he will get after the surgery. I would appreciate any recommendation, what to ask my surgeon. I don't want to suffer or to change my life forever due to the dryiness of my eye. I have Myopia, wore glasses for around 8 years(+2.25 each eye), age 31, fem.
Thank you very much, is great to have this forums where we can get an expert adice.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Are you sure you don't mean -2.25 glasses???  THat would be hyperopia.  Regardless, why don't you try to get two separate opinions with board-certified ophthalmologists that specialize in refractive surgery.  Ask about your dry eyes and if they have any recommendations for you.   Consider treatment with restasis drops for some time before surgery as well as oral flax and fish oil supplements.  Also, slow dissolving punctum plugs might be a good idea for you.  In the end, you will hopefully still be a good surgical candidate by you need to have a surgeon who will take the extra time necessary to deal with  your dry eyes.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[monicabp]

Thank you for your reply. Yes I meant to say -2.25 glasses, thank you for the observation. I am going for a second opinion. I am going to the DUKE Eye Center, I've heard they have a good reputation, and will see what they have to say. I will mention about the drops as you recommended. Thank you again!
monicabp