LASIK Eye Drops: What You'll Need and For How Long

Not medical advice. Your surgeon’s drop regimen may differ from these general guidelines. Always follow the specific instructions you receive.

Why drops matter after LASIK

Eye drops are a critical part of LASIK recovery. They serve three primary purposes: preventing infection, controlling inflammation, and keeping the corneal surface lubricated while it heals. Skipping drops or using them inconsistently can lead to complications including infection, prolonged inflammation, and worsened dry eye symptoms.

Most patients use prescription drops for 1-4 weeks and artificial tears for several months. Understanding the purpose and schedule of each drop makes compliance easier and recovery smoother.

Types of post-LASIK eye drops

Antibiotic drops

Purpose: Prevent bacterial infection during the vulnerable early healing period when the corneal flap is freshly created and the epithelial barrier is compromised.

Common prescriptions: Moxifloxacin (Vigamox), gatifloxacin (Zymaxid), or ofloxacin. Fourth-generation fluoroquinolones like moxifloxacin are the most commonly prescribed because of their broad coverage and good corneal penetration.

Typical duration: 5-10 days after surgery. Some surgeons start them the day before surgery.

How to use: Usually one drop in each eye, 4 times daily. Space doses evenly throughout your waking hours.

Steroid (anti-inflammatory) drops

Purpose: Control the inflammatory response triggered by surgery. Inflammation is natural but needs to be managed to prevent haze, discomfort, and delayed healing.

Common prescriptions: Prednisolone acetate (Pred Forte), fluorometholone (FML), or loteprednol (Lotemax). Loteprednol has a lower risk of raising eye pressure, making it a common choice.

Typical duration: 1-4 weeks, often on a tapering schedule (for example, 4 times daily for the first week, then twice daily for the second week, then once daily for the third week).

How to use: Follow the exact taper schedule. Do not stop steroid drops abruptly — sudden discontinuation can cause rebound inflammation. If you run out before the end of your prescribed course, contact your surgeon for a refill.

Preservative-free artificial tears

Purpose: Lubricate the corneal surface, reduce dryness symptoms, and support the healing tear film. LASIK temporarily disrupts the corneal nerves that signal tear production, so your eyes may not produce enough tears on their own for weeks to months.

Common products: Refresh Optive Preservative-Free, Systane Ultra Preservative-Free, TheraTears, or similar unit-dose vials.

Typical duration: Heavily for the first 1-3 months, then as needed. Some patients use them for 6-12 months. A smaller percentage need them long-term.

How to use: At minimum, 4-6 times daily during the first month. Many patients benefit from using them every 1-2 hours during the first week. Use them before they feel necessary — preventive lubrication is more effective than reactive use.

Why preservative-free? Preserved drops contain chemicals like benzalkonium chloride (BAK) that can irritate healing corneal tissue. Preservative-free formulations come in single-use vials and are safe for frequent use without cumulative toxicity.

Drop schedule overview

Some surgeons use combination antibiotic-steroid drops, simplifying the regimen to fewer bottles. Others prescribe additional drops such as NSAID drops (ketorolac or nepafenac) for the first few days to help with discomfort.

Proper drop technique

Correct technique ensures the medication actually reaches your eye and reduces waste:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any drops.
2. Tilt your head back or lie down.
3. Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the bottle tip close to (but not touching) the eye.
5. Squeeze one drop into the pocket. Look up briefly to let it spread.
6. Close your eyes gently (do not squeeze) for 30-60 seconds.
7. Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (punctal occlusion) to reduce drainage into the nose and improve absorption.

If you are using multiple drops at the same time, wait at least 5 minutes between different medications. This prevents the second drop from washing out the first.

Long-term dry eye management

Dry eye is the most common side effect after LASIK. For most patients, it peaks in the first month and gradually improves over 3-6 months. However, some patients experience persistent dryness that requires ongoing management.

When artificial tears are not enough

If preservative-free tears used several times daily are not controlling your symptoms, your surgeon may recommend:

• Prescription dry eye drops: Cyclosporine (Restasis, Cequa) or lifitegrast (Xiidra). These reduce inflammation in the tear glands and increase natural tear production. They take 4-12 weeks to reach full effect.
• Punctal plugs: Tiny silicone or collagen plugs inserted into the tear drainage ducts to keep tears on the eye surface longer. This is a quick, painless in-office procedure.
• Omega-3 supplements: Some evidence supports omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil or flaxseed oil) for improving tear quality, though the research is mixed.
• Warm compresses and lid hygiene: Especially helpful if meibomian gland dysfunction contributes to your dryness.

For a comprehensive look at dry eye strategies, see Managing Dry Eye Before and After LASIK.

Drops to avoid after LASIK

Not all eye drops are appropriate during recovery:

• Drops containing vasoconstrictors (redness relievers like Visine Original, Clear Eyes): These reduce redness by constricting blood vessels but do not address dryness and can cause rebound redness. They offer no benefit during LASIK recovery and can mask signs of a problem.
• Preserved artificial tears for frequent use: If you are using drops more than 4 times daily, switch to preservative-free. Preserved formulations are acceptable for occasional use but can cause cumulative corneal irritation with frequent application.
• Any drops not approved by your surgeon: Do not add new drops to your regimen without asking first, including allergy drops, whitening drops, or over-the-counter “eye care” products.

Cost of post-LASIK drops

Drop costs vary significantly based on your insurance, pharmacy, and whether generics are available:

Some LASIK centers include prescription drops in their surgery fee. Ask about this during your consultation — it can save $100-$400. Others provide a starter kit with a supply of artificial tears.

If cost is a concern, generic versions of antibiotic and steroid drops are equally effective. For artificial tears, store-brand preservative-free options (CVS, Walgreens, Costco) are typically identical in formulation to name brands at lower cost.

When to call your surgeon

Contact your surgeon’s office if you experience any of the following while on your drop regimen:

• Increasing pain that is not relieved by artificial tears (especially after the first day)
• Worsening vision after initial improvement
• Significant redness that is getting worse rather than better
• Discharge (yellow or green) that suggests infection
• You cannot tolerate your drops due to stinging, burning, or allergic reaction (itching, swelling)
• You run out of prescription drops before the prescribed course is finished
• Eye pressure symptoms: headache behind the eye, halos that worsen rather than improve (steroid drops can occasionally raise eye pressure)

Most LASIK centers have an after-hours or emergency line for the first few weeks after surgery. Save this number in your phone before surgery day.

Tips for staying on schedule

Managing multiple drops on different schedules can be confusing, especially in the first week when you are also recovering. Strategies that help:

• Set phone alarms for each drop type with the drop name in the alarm label.
• Use a written log or checklist taped near where you store your drops. Check off each dose.
• Keep drops organized: Separate your antibiotic, steroid, and artificial tears by location or label them with colored tape so you never mix them up.
• Carry artificial tears with you whenever you leave home during the first month.
• Refrigerate artificial tears if it feels soothing — cool drops can be more comfortable on dry eyes (but do not freeze them, and check that your specific drops do not require room temperature storage).

How drops fit into the bigger recovery picture

Drops are one part of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes rest, UV protection, avoiding eye rubbing, and attending follow-up appointments. Your surgeon will check your healing progress and adjust your drop regimen at each visit.

For a complete recovery roadmap, see the LASIK Recovery Timeline: Hour-by-Hour to Month 3 guide. And for practical product recommendations beyond drops, see LASIK Recovery Kit: Products Surgeons Actually Recommend.

Related guides

• LASIK Recovery Timeline: Hour-by-Hour to Month 3
• Managing Dry Eye Before and After LASIK
• LASIK Recovery Kit: Products Surgeons Actually Recommend
• LASIK Preparation Checklist: How to Get Ready for Surgery Day

Bottom line

Post-LASIK drops follow a predictable pattern: antibiotics for about a week, steroids on a taper for 2-4 weeks, and artificial tears for months. Preservative-free tears are your most important long-term tool. Follow your schedule, use proper technique, and do not hesitate to call your surgeon if something feels off. Good drop compliance is one of the simplest ways to protect your results.