Is There a Connection Between Lasik Surgery and Dry Eyes?

Do you wear glasses or contacts? Then it’s possible you’ve considered LASIK surgery at some point in your life. LASIK, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery, is a safe and effective surgical procedure to help correct and refocus your vision. 

Even though the procedure has gotten much safer over the past couple of decades, that doesn’t mean it’s without risk. Dry eye is one of the most common side effects of LASIK eye surgery. Additionally, certain patients with previous dry eye conditions may not be an ideal candidate for LASIK surgery. So, what does that mean for patients seeking eye corrective surgery, and what’s the reason behind the dry eye and LASIK connection? 

What is the connection between dry eyes and LASIK? 

A dry eye condition is one of the most common side effects of LASIK. It’s a very common complication of LASIK surgery, and about 95% of all patients experience symptoms a few months afterwards.

During LASIK surgery, a special laser reshapes the cornea, allowing light to focus into the back of the eye. This improves the eyes’ vision and focusing power. However, surgery may cause some temporary damage to the corneal nerves. If the nerves are damaged, they may have trouble realizing when the eye is dry. 

LASIK can accidentally reduce nerve sensations within the cornea, so your eyes may not realize they need moisture. This means they’re not communicating with tear production, leading to fewer tears on your eye surface. Also, since the shape of the eye is affected during LASIK surgery, this may affect how your tears spread evenly across the eye. 

Ultimately, one of the main indicators of whether or not you may develop dry eye after LASIK is whether you have a preexisting dry eye condition. 

How long do dry eye symptoms last after LASIK? 

Thankfully, there is an end in sight for those with dry eye symptoms after LASIK. Symptoms are mild to moderate and shouldn’t disrupt your daily activities too much. And ultimately, the cornea should fully heal within a few months after surgery. So, the function of your corneal nerves should be restored, and nerve communication can return to normal.

It is very rare for dry eye symptoms to continue for more than six months or longer than a year after LASIK. If symptoms last for longer than six months following your surgery, then you should speak with your doctor. 

Can you get LASIK if you already have dry eyes? 

Before eye surgery, your doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for LASIK surgery. As part of this exam, your doctor will examine the quality and quantity of your tears.

If you already have dry eye, you may not be an ideal candidate for LASIK surgery. Surgery can worsen dry eye symptoms and feel unbearable afterward for those with a preexisting condition. However, the good news is that dry eyes can be treated with the right combination of methods. Your doctor may advise you to seek treatment and suggest ways to manage your pre-existing dry eye condition.