Why Lasik dry eye is normal, common - and irritating

Lasik dry eye is normal, happens to many people who after lasik eye surgery, and is usually a temporary condition.

But that doesn’t make the burning, itching, scratchiness or problems with contact lenses that sufferers feel any easier to bear.

In fact, dry eyes are quite common, even where there has no been no laser or Lasik treatment. It can be a natural byproduct of aging.  It often affects women who are approaching, or have experienced menopause.   It can can also be caused by some systemic diseases.

But in the case of Lasik surgery, why is there a link between refractive surgery and dry eyes? (Refractive surgery is a general category of procedures that includes Lasik surgery.)

The answer lies in the actual creation of the flap during the Lasik process. When the flap is created some of the corneal nerves may be cut (a quite normal part of the procedure).

Unfortunately, these nerves are the ones that signal the gland in the eye (called the Lacrimal Gland) to produce tears. If the signal level or frequency is reduced, the result can be fewer tears to lubricate the eye - and the condition know as Lasik dry eye.

It’s important to let the surgeon know beforehand if you suffer from dry eye.  Your chances of more severe dry eye symptoms as a side effect are increased if you have a pre-existing condition.

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