Reflections on My LASIK Experience: Astigmatism and Amblyopia
At 20 years old, I recently underwent a Custom LASIK procedure just four days ago. The surgery achieved its goal of correcting my severe astigmatism and myopia, with a measurement of -5.75. Despite this success, I’m still grappling with dry eye symptoms and issues related to my amblyopia, commonly referred to as lazy eye. Visual nuances reveal that my eyes do not appear misaligned outwardly or inwardly. However, I've noticed that when I use both eyes, my right eye seems less engaged than the left. If I cover my dominant left eye and rely on my amblyopic right eye, my vision becomes noticeably blurred, lacking clarity and stability at a distance. It feels as though the right eye struggles to focus automatically, unlike the left, which adjusts readily. Additionally, colors appear less vibrant through my right eye, contributing to an overall muted perception of my surroundings.
Answers (1)
7/17/2025, 8:31:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your experience post-LASIK surgery showcases both the positive impact of the procedure in correcting your vision and the ongoing challenges related to dry eyes and amblyopia. Let's break down the key points and address your concerns.
Main Points
- Post-Surgery Dry Eyes: It's common to experience dry eyes after LASIK, especially in the first few days to weeks following the procedure.
- Amblyopia Concerns: Your amblyopia may not improve with LASIK, and the symptoms you're experiencing indicate that the right eye may still have limitations in visual function.
Explanation
- Dry Eyes: After LASIK, your eyes may produce fewer tears, leading to discomfort and visual fluctuations. This is generally temporary but can sometimes linger longer.
- Amblyopia: Your amblyopia (or "lazy eye") means that one eye does not develop normal vision, often leading to the symptoms you've described, such as blurriness and reduced color perception in your right eye. The surgical correction does not change the function of the amblyopic eye.
Next Steps
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Manage Dry Eyes:
- Use Artificial Tears: Start using preservative-free artificial tears three to four times a day or as needed to relieve dryness. This can help feel more comfortable and improve your visual clarity.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support overall eye health.
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Monitor Amblyopia:
- Eye Exercises: While not a substitute for vision therapy, simple eye exercises (like focusing on a target with your right eye or switching focus between objects) can help improve engagement over time.
- Vision Therapy Consultation: Consider discussing with an eye care professional about vision therapy options that may assist your right eye's function.
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Follow-Up with Eye Doctor:
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your ophthalmologist to discuss your persistent dry eye symptoms and amblyopia concerns. They can provide targeted treatments and monitor your recovery more closely.
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Track Your Symptoms:
- Keep a journal of how your eyes feel each day, noting any changes in dryness and visual clarity. This information can be beneficial during your follow-up visits.
Remember, it’s important to be patient with your recovery and allow your eyes time to adjust after LASIK. If anything feels unusually concerning or does not improve, don't hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider. Take care!
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