Please help

[muxo_xoxo]

Hello about 2 months ago I went for a lasik evaluation to Lasik Plus. My vision was 20/400 I was really looking forward to lasik. I hated contacts and glasses. So when I went to the first appointment I was so devastated because the Dr said I was possibly not a candidate due to me possibly having dry eye syndrome. The doctor asked me to take fish oil pills and use artificial tear drops for a week and a half and come back for a follow up. If my eyes were any better she would go ahead with the surgery and if not she wouldn't be able to perform lasik. When I went back she said they were better and went ahead with lasik. Well since then, I have horrible headaches. I take Exedrin at least 4 tines weekly. For my one month follow up I told the Dr he said my eyes seemed dry I told him about my constant headaches he seemed concerned and he suggested for me to use artificial tear drops and fish oil pills to see if my headaches were due to my eyes being dry. He asked me to come back in a month ( although follow up shouldn't be for another 2 months) the doctor also said my headaches could be a neurological problem and I might need to see a specialist. I think they probably made a mistake and shouldn't have did Lasik since my eyes were dry. Could  that be a possibility? When I have a headache my eyes hurt and they feel dry. Once I put ointment and I take some Exedrin I am guaranteed to be a happy camper all day. Help....

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Many people have trouble swallowing fish oil or have problems with fishy after-taste.  I have no financial interest in this but the liquid omega 3 with Vit D made by cardiotabs is a good choice.

JCH MD

[spreston27]

What strength fish oil caps are you suggesting?  

I have suffered from Dry Eye for many years, but had it under control using non preservative eye drops morning and night, until recently.

I had RLE surgery with MPlus multifocal lenses on 12 and 19 December and have had quite a time of it.  My dry eye returned and my vision has been blurry, like my eyes are smeared with Vaseline.  At my week 1 check up they told me my eyes are 20:20.  My vision is so 'smeary' that I don't feel I can see well at all and cannot understand how that can be 20:20 vision.  I would be unsafe to drive!  The distance is blurry and my reading is poor.  The only thing that is good is the computer distance!!  The TV is blurry. I can't read the menu guide.  My vision in low lighting is particularly bad.

I was given eye drops, to hopefully clear the Vaseline effect.  Though the optometrist gave me strong drops, they made my eyes feel even drier.  The night time gel he gave me made my eyes feel gritty so I soon stopped using those.  The most effective drops for me have been Celluvisc 0.5%. I do have to use it often, but it clears the 'vaseline' and doesn't hurt my eyes.

When my surgery was first done, I had bad skirting, starbursts and halos on lights both during the day and at night.  Now it is mainly at night or in low light that I see them.  I'm hoping that they will fade soon so that I can drive again.  Currently I don't feel like it would be safe.

In addition to these effects which others also speak of, I also seem to have developed a squint, or lazy eye.  I can speak with the optometrist/surgeon about this and how it can be remedied at my next check in two more weeks. In the meantime, has anyone else experienced this?

A week ago I would DEFINITELY advised anyone against this surgery, however, my vision does seem to be improving.  I would certainly encourage anyone considering it to think very carefully before proceeding.  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If your headaches go away when you put lubricating ointment in your eyes then they are likely related to the lasik and dry eyes. Look on the bottom of this page (or if not there click on "Post a Comment".) On the bottom of the page is "Today's Pulse" click through the blue dots at the top right until you get to the paper on dry eye treatment that I wrote.

You will need to follow these. Fish oil 2 or 3 per day is important.

If the headaches get worse and/or are not relieved by lubricating ointments/drops/gels then see your personal physician to look for non eye related causes.

JCH MD