“Is it ok to use eye drops with preservatives after Lasik?”
I am a 32 year old female. I want to know if it is ok to use eye drops with preservatives after Lasik?
5 Answers
Hello, and thank you for your question.
Using drops with preservatives won’t cause any problems after LASIK. In fact, the antibiotic and steroid you used after your procedure both contained preservative. If you’re using
artificial tears, then as long as you’re using them four times a day or less, it shouldn’t be a problem to use the regular formulation which contains a preservative. If, however, you’re using them more than four times a day, then it may be best to switch to the preservative-free one. If you don’t mind spending the extra money, then the preservative-free drops are a fine option.
Hope this helps, and hope your LASIK experience was a good one.
Eric Downing, MD
Using drops with preservatives won’t cause any problems after LASIK. In fact, the antibiotic and steroid you used after your procedure both contained preservative. If you’re using
artificial tears, then as long as you’re using them four times a day or less, it shouldn’t be a problem to use the regular formulation which contains a preservative. If, however, you’re using them more than four times a day, then it may be best to switch to the preservative-free one. If you don’t mind spending the extra money, then the preservative-free drops are a fine option.
Hope this helps, and hope your LASIK experience was a good one.
Eric Downing, MD
This question should be asked of your Lasik surgeon because different surgeons have different post-Lasik medication regimens.
Typically you need to use drops more than 4 times a day so preservative free are preferred but if your doctor is prescribing them only 4 or fewer times per day then you could use those with preservative.
It is recommended to speak to your surgeon to determine the best artificial tears after LASIK for your eyes.
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