Experiencing Eye Discomfort After Laser Hair Removal Without Protection
Recently, I underwent a laser hair removal treatment for my facial hair. During the procedure, the nurse removed my eye shields while targeting the area between and above my eyebrows, leaving my face unprotected. At one moment, I noticed a bit of light seeping through my closed eyelids. After the session, I experienced a sensation of dryness and strain in my eyes, along with increased sensitivity to light. Concerned, I scheduled an appointment with an optometrist for an evaluation. She assured me that there was nothing concerning during the examination; however, she did note that my eyes appeared dry and provided me with some eye drops. Given the potential harm that lasers can inflict, I wonder if standard eye exams can always detect such issues. I genuinely believe that the discomfort and mild pain I feel at the back of my eyes is real, and at times, this discomfort even leads to feelings of nausea.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 10:10:28 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your eye discomfort after laser hair removal, especially when you experienced light exposure during the procedure. Here are some key points regarding your situation:
Main Points:
- Exposure to laser light can cause temporary discomfort, and it’s positive that your optometrist found no serious issues.
- Dryness and sensitivity to light can occur after such procedures, particularly if your eyes were exposed.
- Continuing discomfort and sensations behind the eyes, especially if they're accompanied by nausea, warrant attention.
Explanation:
Lasers used in hair removal can produce bright light that may lead to discomfort or strain in the eyes if they are not adequately protected. While eye exams can check for various issues, they may not always detect transient conditions caused by light exposure. Your symptoms of dryness, light sensitivity, and strain are not uncommon post-treatment but should be monitored closely.
Next Steps:
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Continue Using Eye Drops: Regular use of lubricating eye drops can help alleviate dryness. Use them as recommended by your optometrist.
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Reduce Screen Time: Limit your exposure to screens and bright lights to give your eyes a break. Use blue light filters if needed.
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Rest Your Eyes: Try to take several short breaks throughout the day, especially when reading or using screens, and close your eyes for a few minutes if you feel strain.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any worsening of pain, and how frequently you experience discomfort or nausea. This information will be helpful if you need to revisit your optometrist.
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Follow-Up if Needed: If your symptoms do not improve within a week or worsen, consider scheduling a follow-up with your optometrist to reassess your condition.
It's good that you've seen the optometrist already, and with these steps, you should find some relief. Remember, your comfort matters, so keep an eye on how you feel and don't hesitate to seek further advice if needed.
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