Do you spend a lot of time looking at different screens during the day? Are you thinking about getting LASIK?
Making the decision to get LASIK is a big deal. But part of the process is making sure you are a good candidate for the procedure.
When you start discussing getting LASIK with your eye doctor, they will start by evaluating your eyes. This is a crucial component for determining if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
One of the things they are looking for is dry eyes, which can be tied to screen usage. It is important that your eyes are healthy when you have LASIK.
Unhealthy eyes make it harder to recover after having LASIK. Keep reading to learn if too much screen time can make you a bad LASIK candidate!
What does too much screen time do to your eyes?
When you look at a screen for a long period of time, you won’t blink enough. Blinking is how your eyes stay moist and lubricated.
When you look at screens for too long and you are not blinking enough, your eyes will become dry. When you have dry eyes, your eyes will either create low-quality tears or overproduce tears.
It is possible for you to frequently use screens and not realize that you have dry eyes. Some candidates do not realize they have dry eyes until they come in for their LASIK consultation. In most cases, if you find out you have dry eyes, you can treat it and have LASIK after.
What can I do to become a better LASIK candidate?
Reducing your screen usage is the best way to prevent dry eye and make sure that your eyes are healthy enough for LASIK. Using screens is normal and you may rely on them for work.
You should do your best to reduce the amount of time you spend looking at them. If you’re concerned that you may have dry eyes because of how much time you spend on digital devices, cut down.
The less time you spend looking at screens, the better off your eyes will be.
Is there something I can do if I need to look at screens?
If you need to look at screens, the best thing you can do is take frequent breaks. If you like to use computers or the TV for work, hobbies, and to binge tv, you should practice the 20-20-20 rule.
By practicing this rule you take a 20-second break and look 20 feet away every 20 minutes. This helps your eyes refocus, blink, and prevents dry eyes.
When you go in for your evaluation for LASIK, your doctor will conduct different screening tests. They will look at the quality of your tears because they play an important role in the recovery process.
How do you treat dry eyes?
There are many options to treat your dry eyes. Talk to a doctor to determine the best treatment for your dry eyes.
Some options include artificial tears, eye drops, punctal plugs, and eating omega-3 rich foods. You may also want to consider prescription medication that will increase tear production.
Are you interested in getting LASIK eye surgery? To learn more about the procedure and get answers to any questions, make sure to reach out to your doctor!
Schedule a consultation at Metro Eye Care in Paramus, NJ, and be prepared to finally experience visual freedom thanks to permanent visual correction!
