After undergoing LASIK eye surgery, many patients experience a variety of sensations and symptoms as they heal. One question that often comes up is whether it’s normal to have eye boogers, or crusty discharge, following the procedure. This article explains why this happens, how to manage it, and when to seek advice from your doctor.
What Causes Eye Boogers After LASIK?
After LASIK surgery, the eyes are healing and adjusting to the changes made during the procedure. As a part of this healing process, your body may produce more mucus than usual. This mucus can accumulate in the corner of your eyes, leading to what some refer to as eye boogers or eye crust.
LASIK surgery involves reshaping the cornea, which can cause temporary dryness and irritation as the eyes adapt to the new shape. The increased production of mucus is a natural reaction to this irritation. Your eyes may also become sensitive to light or feel gritty, which can contribute to the build-up of discharge.
While this is common, it’s usually short-lived and improves as your eyes heal and adjust. However, if you notice excessive discharge or discomfort, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your eye doctor.
Is This Discharge Normal?
For the most part, eye boogers after LASIK are completely normal and can be considered part of the healing process. As your eyes recover from the procedure, they may become dry or irritated, leading to an increase in mucus production. This is often worse in the first few days or weeks following surgery and usually decreases as your eyes adjust.
However, while some level of discharge is expected, it is important to keep an eye out for any changes in the type or amount of mucus. If the discharge becomes thick, yellow, or green, this could be a sign of an infection or other complications. In such cases, it’s important to contact your doctor promptly.
Managing Eye Boogers After LASIK
There are a few simple steps you can take to manage this common symptom as your eyes heal. The most important thing is to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep your eyes moist by using preservative-free lubricating eye drops as recommended by your doctor. These drops can help reduce dryness and discomfort, which in turn can lessen the amount of mucus your eyes produce.
- Gently Clean Your Eyes: If you notice eye boogers building up, you can gently wipe them away with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can irritate the healing cornea and potentially cause more discomfort.
- Avoid Allergens and Irritants: Try to stay away from smoke, dust, and allergens, as these can cause your eyes to become more irritated and increase the likelihood of discharge. If you need to be in environments where these irritants are present, wearing sunglasses may help.
- Use a Humidifier: If you live in a dry climate or are often in air-conditioned or heated spaces, a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help prevent your eyes from drying out, which can lead to excess mucus production.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
While some discharge after LASIK is normal, it’s important to stay alert for signs that something might not be right. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away:
- Increased pain or discomfort in your eyes
- Thick, yellow, or green mucus
- Redness or swelling that doesn’t go away
- Sudden changes in your vision
These could be signs of an infection or other issues that require medical attention. Your eye doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Other Post-Surgery Symptoms to Expect
Eye boogers aren’t the only symptom you might experience after LASIK surgery. Other common side effects include:
- Dry Eyes: Many patients experience dryness in the days and weeks following LASIK. Using lubricating eye drops can help.
- Light Sensitivity: Your eyes might be more sensitive to light, particularly in the first few days. Wearing sunglasses can provide relief.
- Blurred Vision: Some blurriness is normal as your eyes heal and adjust. This typically clears up within a few days to weeks.
Most of these symptoms will improve as your eyes heal, but be sure to communicate with your doctor if any issue becomes persistent or troubling.
Long-Term Care After LASIK
LASIK surgery is a safe and effective way to improve your vision, but long-term care is important to maintain the best possible results. After your initial healing phase, it’s essential to continue following your doctor’s guidance on eye care. This might include avoiding strenuous activities for a short period and protecting your eyes from extreme environments, such as swimming pools or dusty areas.
Your doctor will provide you with a tailored aftercare plan to ensure your eyes remain healthy as they adjust to their new shape. By following this plan and attending follow-up appointments, you can maximize the benefits of LASIK and minimize the chances of complications.
In most cases, having eye boogers after LASIK is a normal part of the healing process. It’s a sign that your eyes are adjusting to the changes made during the surgery and are recovering. With proper aftercare and attention, this symptom should improve over time. However, if you notice any signs of infection or other complications, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about the LASIK process. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!