Can I Use Rohto After LASIK?

Rohto eye drops may be used after LASIK, but only specific formulas, and only after your eye doctor confirms they are safe for your recovery stage.

Certain types may not be suitable for post-LASIK care due to their ingredients, which could irritate your eyes during the recovery process.

Undergoing LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) can be a life-changing decision, providing improved vision and freedom from glasses or contact lenses. However, proper post-operative care is essential to ensure optimal healing and long-term results. Eye drops like Rohto are commonly used to relieve dryness or irritation, but are they safe after LASIK? This blog will explore the nuances of using Rohto following your procedure, providing you with the guidance you need to care for your eyes effectively.

Why Post-LASIK Care Is Crucial?

LASIK reshapes the cornea to correct vision, which temporarily disrupts the eye’s natural healing process. After surgery, you’ll experience symptoms such as dryness, sensitivity, or mild irritation. These are normal as your eyes adjust and recover.

To support this healing, your ophthalmologist will recommend a regimen that typically includes preservative-free lubricating eye drops alongside prescribed medications. Choosing the right products during this period is extremely important, as any harsh or unsuitable ingredients can interfere with recovery or worsen discomfort.

Key Takeaway: Using the wrong eye drops can prolong healing or potentially harm the cornea. Always adhere to your doctor’s advice.

What Are Rohto Eye Drops?

Rohto eye drops are a popular over-the-counter brand designed to address various eye concerns, including dryness, redness, and irritation. Known for their distinctive cooling sensation, they are widely appreciated for providing instant relief from discomfort. However, Rohto offers different formulas targeted at specific issues, such as:

• Rohto Cool and Rohto Ice: Deliver a cooling effect for tired eyes.
• Rohto Hydra: Focuses on deep hydration. (May contain ingredients not ideal for healing eyes)
• Rohto Dry Aid: Mimics natural tear composition and targets dryness. (May contain ingredients not ideal for healing eyes)
• Rohto Maximum Redness Relief: Reduces eye redness through vasoconstriction.

These options address a wide array of eye problems but may contain active ingredients unsuitable for sensitive, post-surgery eyes.

Are Rohto Eye Drops Safe After LASIK?

The answer largely depends on the specific Rohto formula you intend to use. While some can be safe and effective, others might irritate sensitive post-LASIK eyes. Here’s a breakdown:

Preservative-Free Formulas Only

After LASIK, your doctor will recommend preservative-free artificial tears to prevent dryness and promote healing. This is because preservatives in eye drops can cause irritation or exacerbate dryness in healing corneas. 

Unfortunately, many Rohto products contain preservatives that make them unsuitable for early post-LASIK use. If you’re considering Rohto, consult your doctor first and check the label carefully—many formulas, including Rohto Dry Aid, may still contain preservatives depending on the region.

Avoid Cooling or Redness-Relief Drops

One of Rohto’s defining characteristics is the cooling sensation many of its products provide. While this may feel refreshing for general use, it can be irritating to corneal tissue that is healing from LASIK surgery. Similarly, formulas like Rohto Maximum Redness Relief often contain vasoconstrictors to reduce redness; however, these can cause unwanted side effects, like rebound redness or increased dryness.

Check Ingredients for Compatibility

Many Rohto formulas include active ingredients such as naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline, or menthol, which create a cooling effect. While these ingredients are safe for general use, they may irritate healing eyes or interact poorly with the delicate structure of the cornea post-surgery. Always check ingredients for compatibility with LASIK recovery or consult your doctor.

When Can You Use Rohto After LASIK?

The timeline for safely integrating Rohto eye drops into your post-LASIK care depends on your recovery progress and the type of formula. Here’s a general timeline:

1. First Few Weeks: Stick to your doctor’s prescribed eye drops, including antibiotic, steroid, and preservative-free artificial tears. Avoid over-the-counter options like Rohto entirely during this critical healing period.
2. 1 to 3 Months Post-LASIK: Consult your doctor before reintroducing any commercial eye drops. During this time, you may still experience dryness and light sensitivity, making it important to avoid anything with harsh ingredients.
3. 3 Months and Beyond: After full corneal healing, your doctor may approve specific Rohto formulas—but always confirm ingredients and avoid those with vasoconstrictors or strong additives.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, continue using medical-grade or preservative-free lubricating drops for long-term comfort and hydration.

Alternatives to Rohto for Post-LASIK Recovery

While Rohto is a convenient and popular choice for many, there are better alternatives for post-LASIK care. These options align better with your eye’s needs during recovery:

• Preservative-Free Artificial Tears: Brands like Systane Ultra, Refresh Plus, and TheraTears are highly recommended for LASIK recovery due to their gentle and effective formulation.
• Medicated Drops: Depending on your prescription, you may also use doctor-prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to support healing.
• Ointments or Gels for Nighttime Use: If dryness persists overnight, products like Refresh PM or Systane Nighttime provide prolonged hydration.

These alternatives are explicitly designed with healing and sensitive eyes in mind, making them a safer and more effective option than the majority of Rohto formulas.

How to Use Eye Drops Properly Post-LASIK?

Using eye drops correctly ensures you reap the full benefits while avoiding contamination or irritation. These steps can help:

1. Wash Your Hands: Hygiene is crucial. Always clean your hands before applying.
2. Avoid Touching the Nozzle: Never touch the nozzle to your eye surface or any other surface.
3. Tilt Your Head Back: Sit or lie down comfortably before tilting your head.
4. Pull Down the Lower Eyelid: Create a small pocket for the drop.
5. Administer One Drop at a Time: Avoid overusing drops; one to two drops are usually sufficient.
6. Blink Gently: Close your eyes for a few seconds. Avoid squeezing them tightly.
7. Follow Prescribed Schedule: Use eye drops at intervals advised by your doctor.

Quick Tip: If you’re using multiple eye drops, wait at least five minutes between applications to prevent dilution.

Tips for Maintaining Long-Term Eye Health After LASIK

Beyond eye drop usage, there are several habits you can adopt to ensure your eyes remain healthy and hydrated post-LASIK:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water daily to support natural tear production.
• Use a Humidifier: Dry indoor air may exacerbate symptoms. A humidifier keeps the air moist and comfortable.
• Limit Screen Time: Prolonged screen use may lead to digital eye strain and exacerbate dryness. Adhere to the 20-20-20 rule to provide your eyes with adequate rest.
• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your sensitive eyes from UV rays and irritants like wind and dust.

Final Thoughts

While Rohto eye drops can offer relief for general eye discomfort, their usage after LASIK must be approached with caution. Always consult your ophthalmologist before introducing any over-the-counter product into your post-LASIK regimen. Stick to preservative-free and LASIK-friendly options during the recovery period to ensure optimal healing.

If you’re considering Rohto, ensure you’re making informed decisions based on your specific needs and circumstances. When in doubt, prioritise alternatives designed explicitly for recovering eyes.