Worried About LASEK Side Effects?
Post-Surgery Monitor Usage and Eye Fatigue Management

Hello, this is BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower.

How many hours a day do you spend looking at a monitor? Honestly, I spend all day in front of a computer these days, so the first thing I look for when I get home is artificial tears because my eyes feel so dry.

We frequently hear similar stories in our consultation rooms. Our clients who are office workers, in particular, often worry, asking, "I spend so much time looking at a monitor at work. Will it be okay to get the surgery?" Today, I would like to share a question from a client who visited us for a LASEK consultation.

The Client’s Concern

"Doctor, I have to stare at a monitor all day at work. Will it be okay if I get LASEK?"

For office workers, sitting in front of a computer from morning until evening is a daily routine. The client mentioned they look at a monitor for "at least 8 hours a day," and added anxiously, "What if my eyes get tired quickly, or my vision deteriorates again from staring at the screen for too long?"

Listening to their concerns, I realized that their biggest worry wasn't the surgery itself, but whether it would interfere with their work life. It is a completely understandable concern, especially for those in office jobs. They want the surgery, but their main question is whether they can resume their duties the following week.

Early LASEK Recovery and Symptoms When Using a Monitor

I reassured the client with the following explanation: "Having LASEK surgery absolutely does not mean you cannot look at a monitor at work. However, your eyes will be sensitive during the early stages of recovery, so looking at a screen might feel more uncomfortable than before."

LASEK involves removing the corneal epithelium and reshaping the underlying corneal stroma with a laser. Therefore, the epithelium requires time to regenerate immediately following the surgery. During this period, the surface of the eye is unstable, which can make you more sensitive to light and experience severe dryness.

When these symptoms occur, some people panic and ask, "Did the surgery go wrong?" However, these are actually very common reactions during a normal recovery process. As time passes, the corneal epithelium recovers, the tear film stabilizes, and these symptoms gradually improve.

Managing Your Work Life After LASEK

I emphasized to the client that "working after the surgery is entirely possible," and provided specific tips on how to reduce eye fatigue while in front of a monitor.

1. The 20-20-20 Rule

Staring at a monitor for extended periods causes your eye muscles to tense up and fatigue easily. There is a simple yet effective method for this: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. If you are in an office, simply looking at a distant building outside the window or the end of the hallway can make your eyes feel much more comfortable.

2. Artificial Tears are a ‘Shield’, Not Just ‘Medicine’

Immediately after LASEK, artificial tears act as a protective shield for your eyes. Applying them frequently whenever you feel dryness can help the corneal surface recover much more stably. It is important to use them regularly, rather than only when your eyes hurt.

3. Adjusting Your Monitor and Office Environment

• • Monitor Position: Positioning your monitor slightly below eye level makes it much more comfortable for your gaze.
• • Maintaining the Environment: Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning drafts, and use a humidifier to keep the indoor humidity level between 40-60%.

4. Intentionally Increasing ‘Blinking’

When you concentrate on a monitor, your blink rate drops by more than half. It is helpful to stand up and stretch at least once an hour to rest your eyes, and to consciously blink more often while working.

The Client’s Reaction

After I finished my explanation, the client's expression noticeably relaxed. The tension faded, and with a slight smile, they said, "Ah, that's a relief. I was really worried because I have to keep working."

Relief was evident in their voice. Then, they jokingly added, "So, during meetings, I can just look out the window instead of at the monitor?" I smiled and played along, "Well, your boss might be a bit taken aback by that! Just look out the window for exactly 20 seconds, and then focus right back on the meeting."