LASIK surgery is a procedure that uses a laser to help correct refractive errors in the eye and improve the eye's ability to focus. During the procedure, a special laser is used to change the shape of the cornea to allow light to focus at the back of the eye, which increases the eye's focusing power and improves vision. While LASIK can improve vision and is generally safe, it may not be suitable for everyone, including those with dry eyes. Dry eyes can be a complication of LASIK surgery in some cases. Below we talk about dry eyes after vision correction surgery and how to deal with it.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye usually refers to an uncomfortable feeling in the eye caused by the failure of tears to adequately lubricate the eye. This may be due to the eye not producing enough tears, not producing the right type of tears, or because the tear film in the eye is affected. Symptoms of dry eye after LASIK surgery can include:
Dry eye feeling.
Irritability.
A discomforting feeling in the eye.
A feeling of pain in the eye.
Eye strain.
Eye redness.
Causes of dry eyes after LASIK surgery
Dry eyes after LASIK surgery can result from several different mechanisms, the first of which is related to the way the surgery is performed. During the vision correction surgery, a cut is made in the cornea to create a flap, which may temporarily damage some nerves, and thus reduce sensation in the area. This in turn may lead to the eye failing to determine the need for moisture, and therefore does not produce enough tears to moisturize the eye. The annoying feeling that some people experience after the surgery may be pain resulting from this temporary nerve damage.
LASIK surgery may also cause the eye to change shape, which is another possible cause of dry eyes. Changing the shape of the eye affects the proper and even distribution of tears. The surgery may also affect the amount of mucin in the eye, which is an important substance for the stability of tears.
Risk factors for dry eye after LASIK
The main risk factor for dry eye after LASIK is having dry eye symptoms before surgery. Studies also indicate that women are four times more likely to develop dry eye after LASIK than men, while a 2017 study also suggests that the risk of dry eye increases after the age of 50. Another factor that may increase the likelihood of dry eye is the shape of a person’s eyes. People with very low or very high refractive errors may be more likely to develop dry eye symptoms after LASIK. There are several other factors that may increase the likelihood of complications after LASIK, including:
Keratoconus, a condition characterized by the thinning and bulging of the cornea.
Eye infections and inflammation.
Glaucoma, also known as glaucoma.
Cataracts, also known as cataracts.
Some autoimmune conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome and diabetes, may affect tear production and delay the eye’s recovery after surgery.
People with eye problems such as the ones mentioned above are not only more likely to experience complications after LASIK, but these problems may also make them ineligible for vision correction surgery, especially if the patient does not have good control over the symptoms of the disease.
Expected Duration of Dry Eye
It is common for a person to experience symptoms of dry eye immediately after vision correction surgery, and most people experience dry eye after a few months, but some studies indicate that up to 40 percent of people may experience some symptoms of dry eye after 6 months of surgery, and in rare cases, dry eye symptoms may persist for more than a year after surgery.
Tips for preventing dry eyes after LASIK
There are some things that can be done to reduce the likelihood of developing dry eye symptoms after vision correction surgery, including:
Avoid being in a place with dry air, and use a humidifier at home if necessary.
Stay hydrated by consuming an ample amount of water.
Get enough sleep.
Wear sunglasses when you leave the house to protect your eyes.
Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids such as omega-3, and some scientific evidence suggests that they may reduce dry eye symptoms in some people. Sources of these acids include fatty fish and tuna, and you can take nutritional supplements that contain them.
Treatment of dry eyes after LASIK
Even after taking the previous preventive measures, dry eyes after surgery are still expected, so a person should make sure to take any medications prescribed by their eye doctor, and follow their instructions on the best way to recover. Dry eyes after vision correction surgery are usually temporary, and treatment may last for a few months. However, people with chronic dry eyes may need ongoing treatment. Treatment options for dry eyes include:
Eye drops: These help to lubricate the surface of the cornea. These drops are the first step in dealing with dry eyes and can be purchased without a prescription.
Anti-inflammatories: Dry eye symptoms may be caused by inflammation in the eye that hinders tear production. In this case, your eye doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Eye plugs: These are small silicone or gel plugs that block the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining out of the eye, helping to keep the eye moist.
Autologous serum eye drops: These eye drops are made specifically for individuals using a sample of their own blood. The goal is to create tear supplements that are as similar to the person’s natural tears as possible.
Can a person have LASIK if they have dry eyes?
The eye doctor will usually perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if a person is a candidate for LASIK. This exam will usually include looking for signs of dry eyes by checking the quality and quantity of tears in the person’s eyes. If a person has dry eyes, it may not necessarily mean that they are not a candidate for the procedure, but the doctor may recommend treatment and control of dry eyes before the procedure because it can make symptoms worse. If a person cannot control their dry eyes before the procedure, the eye doctor may advise against the procedure.
Alternatives to LASIK
LASIK is one of the most common vision correction procedures. However, there are several alternative procedures that aim to correct a person's vision, some of which may be performed if dry eye prevents LASIK. Some of these options include:
Small incision lens extraction: This procedure is similar to LASIK, and involves making a small incision in the cornea. Some research suggests that the risk of dryness is lower with this type of vision correction procedure, but the evidence is still inconclusive.
Conductive keratoplasty: A procedure that reshapes the cornea using radio waves. This is a less invasive surgery, but it may not be suitable for everyone, and its results may not last.
Contact lens implantation: This procedure can also effectively correct vision, and it does not affect the cornea, so the risk of developing dry eye symptoms is lower, but not non-existent. Some people may develop dry eye after this implantation.
You should consult your doctor and discuss your options and make sure that these procedures are suitable for you. The risk of dryness may be lower in them, but each has its own risks, conditions, and requirements.
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