After LASIK surgery, your eye doctor prescribes two specific kinds of eye drops to use during recovery: an antibiotic drop to prevent infection at the surgical site, and a steroid drop to control inflammation. Most patients also need a preservative-free lubricating drop to manage post-surgical dry eyes, which often improve over the first three to six months after surgery. Below are six lubricating drops most often recommended for LASIK recovery. For general dry-eye relief unrelated to surgery, see our best eye drops for dry eyes guide instead.
A note on safety: In 2023, the FDA recalled several over-the-counter artificial-tear brands (including EzriCare and Delsam Pharma) after contaminated bottles caused serious eye infections, including cases of permanent vision loss and at least one death. Post-LASIK patients are especially vulnerable because the healing cornea is more susceptible to infection. Buy only drops from major manufacturers in sealed packaging, discard any drops past their expiration date, and never share a bottle. If a product you are using is part of a recall, stop using it immediately and contact your eye doctor.
6 Best Types of LASIK Eye Drops
The six drops below are preservative-free or low-preservative lubricating tears commonly recommended after LASIK. None replace your prescription antibiotic or steroid drops; they sit alongside them to ease dry-eye symptoms during recovery.
1. Best Overall: SYSTANE ULTRA Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops
SYSTANE ULTRA Preservative-Free is a lubricating drop marketed by Alcon for long-lasting relief from dry eyes, blurriness, excess tearing, and gritty sensations. The active ingredients are polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Make sure you pick up the Preservative-Free version specifically. Alcon also sells a standard SYSTANE ULTRA with preservatives, and the preserved bottle is not the right choice for early LASIK recovery.
Alcon markets it as the number-one doctor-recommended brand of artificial tears, with single-use vials that limit contamination risk during the early recovery window.
The preservative-free formula is safe to use before and after wearing contact lenses, but ask your surgeon before resuming contacts after LASIK. The drops are available in 25-count and 60-count vial packs, plus 4 mL and 10 mL multi-dose bottles.
2. Best for Severe Dry Eyes: SYSTANE Gel Drops
Systane Gel Drops use a thicker formulation that lubricates and forms a protective film over the eye, acting as a barrier against dry air and debris. The viscous formula targets severe dry-eye symptoms that thinner artificial tears do not resolve.
It offers the convenience of a drop with the protection of a gel. Systane Gel Drops come in 10 mL bottles and 10 mL twin packs, useful at home or while traveling. Because the gel can cause temporary blurring, most patients reserve it for nighttime use.
3. Best Budget: REFRESH TEARS Lubricant Eye Drops
Refresh Tears mimics natural tears to deliver instant lubrication at a lower price point than premium brands. The active ingredient is carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%.
The drops relieve dry eyes and irritation from wind or sun exposure. They come in a preserved multi-dose bottle, so follow the dosing your surgeon recommends. If you find yourself reaching for drops more than four times a day during recovery, switch to a preservative-free option. They are safe to use with contact lenses once your surgeon clears you.
4. Best Lubricating: Blink Tears Lubricating Eye Drops
Blink Tears uses a visco-adaptive formula that maximizes hydration and restores the tear film's natural salt balance. The main ingredient is polyethylene glycol 400 at 0.25%.
The drops relieve mild to moderate dry-eye symptoms, including itching and a burning sensation. The lubricating formula lasts longer in the eye than thinner tears and works with every blink to provide ongoing relief without the persistent blur that gel-based drops can cause.
Blink Tears come in 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) and 1.0 fl oz (30 mL) bottles.
5. Best for Night-Time Comfort: GenTeal Tears Lubricant Eye Gel
GenTeal Tears Lubricant Eye Gel forms a protective coat on the eye's surface for fast, soothing relief that lasts through the night. The thicker formula refreshes and moisturizes your eyes while you sleep and shields against irritation from wind and dry indoor air.
Apply one or two drops at bedtime or as needed for severe nighttime dryness.
6. Best Preservative-Free: REFRESH OPTIVE Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops
REFRESH OPTIVE Preservative-Free is a single-use-vial drop with a dual-action formula that lubricates and hydrates to relieve mild dry-eye symptoms. The two active ingredients are carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% and glycerin 0.9%, both lubricants. The standard REFRESH OPTIVE bottle uses a preservative, so check the label for Preservative-Free before you buy.
The preservative-free formulation is well-suited to the first weeks after LASIK, when the healing cornea is most sensitive to preservatives like benzalkonium chloride. Single-use vials are the safest option during this window.
Why You Need Eye Drops After LASIK
Eye drops do three jobs during LASIK recovery: prevent infection, control inflammation, and ease dry eyes during the healing window.
Most patients experience temporary eye dryness after surgery, often accompanied by mild irritation and itchiness. Symptoms typically improve over the first three to six months as the corneal nerves recover from being cut during the procedure. Your surgeon prescribes antibiotic eyedrops to prevent infection at the surgical site and steroid drops to control inflammation. Preservative-free lubricating tears handle the dry eye symptoms.
Timeline for Post-LASIK Eye Drops
Most patients use prescription drops for one to two weeks and lubricating drops for three to six months after LASIK. Antibiotic drops are typically used for about one week. Steroid drops such as prednisolone acetate are usually tapered over one to two weeks. Lubricating tears continue for as long as dry-eye symptoms persist.
Exact dosing depends on your surgeon's protocol. Follow the schedule your LASIK team gives you exactly: do not stop prescription drops early, even if your eyes feel comfortable.
What Happens If You Don't Use Eye Drops After LASIK
Skipping your prescription antibiotic or steroid drops raises the risk of infection and inflammation. Skipping lubricating tears worsens dryness and irritation during healing. The specific complications each category prevents include:
- Infection at the surgical site. Without antibiotic drops, bacteria can colonize the healing cornea and cause serious infections.
- Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). A sterile inflammation under the LASIK flap that requires prompt treatment with steroid drops.
- Worsening dry eyes. Without lubricating tears, severe dryness causes friction during blinking and, in rare cases, dislodges the LASIK flap.
- Prolonged recovery. Constant irritation and inflammation delay healing and extend the timeline before vision stabilizes.
Carry your drops with you for the first few months after surgery. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember and continue your regular schedule.
What to Look For in Post-LASIK Eye Drops
Not all over-the-counter eye drops are safe to use after LASIK. The healing cornea is more sensitive to preservatives, vasoconstrictors, and antihistamines than a healthy eye. Look for drops that are:
- Preservative-free. Preservatives like benzalkonium chloride can irritate the healing cornea. Single-use vials or preservative-free multi-dose bottles are safer during the first several weeks after surgery.
- Lubricating only. Avoid "redness reliever" drops like LUMIFY or Visine, which contain vasoconstrictors. Avoid antihistamine drops like Zaditor or Pataday unless your doctor prescribes them; these can worsen post-surgical dry eye.
- From a major brand in sealed packaging. After the 2023 FDA recall of contaminated artificial tears, stick to drops from Alcon, Allergan, Bausch + Lomb, or other established manufacturers.
- Compatible with your contact-lens timing. Most LASIK patients do not return to contact lenses for at least four to six weeks. When your surgeon clears you to resume contacts, choose a contact-safe formulation.
Always check with your LASIK surgeon before adding any over-the-counter drop to your recovery routine. Your surgeon will tell you whether to wait for the prescription antibiotic and steroid course to finish or to overlap them with lubricating drops from day one.
What If Dry Eye Symptoms Don't Improve
If post-LASIK dry-eye symptoms have not improved by three months after surgery, contact your ophthalmologist. Most cases resolve within the first three to six months, but persistent or worsening dryness needs evaluation. The FDA notes that some patients develop severe dry eye that requires ongoing treatment.
Your doctor will examine your eyes to rule out underlying conditions and may escalate treatment with punctal plugs, prescription anti-inflammatory drops like cyclosporine or lifitegrast, or (in severe refractory cases) scleral contact lenses.
Other Ways to Manage Dry Eye After LASIK
Eye drops are one piece of recovery. Other measures that reduce dry-eye symptoms include:
- Avoiding smoke and smoky environments
- Avoiding dry, low-humidity environments when possible
- Protecting your eyes from pollen, dust, and other airborne particles
- Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Eating omega-3-rich foods as part of a balanced diet, and ask your eye doctor before adding an omega-3 supplement, since the research on supplements for dry eye is mixed
These habits, combined with consistent eye-drop use, support faster healing and a smoother recovery.
When to Call Your Eye Doctor
Dry-eye symptoms after LASIK are usually temporary and often ease over the first few months, but dryness that lingers or gets worse should be checked by your surgeon. Contact your eye doctor right away if you experience:
- Little or no relief from prescription drops
- Sudden vision loss, worsening vision, or blurry or fluctuating vision that does not improve as expected
- Severe eye pain
- Bleeding from the eye
- Difficulty performing normal daily activities
These signs can indicate infection, inflammation, or a flap complication that needs prompt evaluation.
Summary
- After LASIK, you need prescription antibiotic and steroid drops to prevent infection and inflammation, plus preservative-free lubricating tears to manage dry eyes
- Most patients use prescription drops for one to two weeks and lubricating drops for three to six months as the healing cornea recovers
- SYSTANE ULTRA Preservative-Free is our top overall pick for post-LASIK lubrication; Refresh Tears is the best budget option; Systane Gel Drops handle severe symptoms
- Avoid redness relievers, antihistamine drops, and any artificial tear involved in the 2023 FDA recall; the healing cornea is too sensitive to preservatives and vasoconstrictors
- If post-LASIK dry eye has not improved by three months, or worsens at any point, contact your LASIK surgeon. Treatment escalations include punctal plugs, prescription anti-inflammatory drops like cyclosporine or lifitegrast, or in refractory cases, scleral contact lenses
