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.

Need a healthy tearfilm

In fact, one of the conditions needed for a successful Lasik procedure is the existence of a sufficiently healthy tearfilm, the layer of liquid that normally covers the eye. This tearfilm is quite a complex, with three layers - an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer and an inner mucous layer.

Your surgeon could handle potential problems in several ways. One is through the use of prescription medicines.  Another is through dietary supplements.   And a third is by putting in Tear Duct Plugs.    These will reduces the amount of tears that flow from your eyes to your nose - sort of like putting a plug in a sink to hold back the water!

The plugs are placed quite easily, and can just as easily be removed months later once they have done their job.

In addition, your surgeon may recommend somewhat different custom procedures if he/she knows that you have a dry eye problem, or if the tearfilm is inadequate.

Instead of Lasik and IntraLasik, for instance, other surgical options options such as PRK, LASEK or Epi-Lasik might be better choices. Discuss these options carefully with your surgeon before making your final choice.

As always, making informed decisions is the best and only real way to go with any form of surgery.   In this particular case, it could help you reduce any dry eyes Lasik dry eye problems.