Dry eye syndrome is a condition that impacts countless people worldwide. If you are worried that your dry eyes might make you an unsuitable candidate for laser eye surgery, then you are not alone. In many instances dry eye patients are able to benefit from laser eye surgery, including LASIK, thanks to technological advancements.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about LASIK for dry eye patients.
Understanding the Connection Between LASIK and Dry Eyes
Dry eye patients struggle because they don’t produce enough tears for the eye to remain hydrated. This can cause irritation, blurred vision and redness. During LASIK surgery, a thin circular flap is created in the cornea which is peeled back to reveal the corneal stroma.
Once exposed, a laser reshapes the cornea to correct any refractive errors. In some cases, the corneal nerves that are responsible for signaling tear production can be disrupted, as the surgeon creates the corneal flap. And this, in turn, leads to dryness of the eye.
Pre-Existing Dry Eye and its Impact on LASIK Candidacy
If you suffer with pre-existing dry eye syndrome, you may find that you cannot proceed with LASIK eye surgery, especially if your condition is moderate or severe. But it’s important to have in depth conversations with your healthcare provider and surgeon to understand if it will impact your treatment and to what extent.
If your condition is mild and you are able to proceed with LASIK, you will likely need to monitor closely for side effects and ensure that you are regularly using the prescribed eye drops.
Remember that technology is continuously advancing so even if you have been rejected for LASIK in the past, you may be eligible in the present day. And if you find that you are not a good candidate, there are other treatment options that could be right for you such as EVO ICL.
How LASIK Can Temporarily Affect Tear Production
LASIK surgery can temporarily affect tear production which can lead to complications if you already suffer with dry eye syndrome. During surgery, your eye surgeon will reshape your cornea in order to fix refractive errors and astigmatism.
If the corneal nerve that is responsible for signaling tear production is disrupted, your symptoms may be more noticeable during the recovery process.
This could lead to increased discomfort, redness and blurred vision during the healing process; more so than a candidate that does not have the pre-existing condition. And, depending on the outcome of the surgery, the quality of your results could be impacted.
Strategies for Managing Dry Eye Before & After Surgery
Effective management of your symptoms can have a significant impact on the comfort and outcome of your treatment. Here are some common pre- and post-treatment strategies.
Before Surgery
- You can utilize artificial tears to lubricate the eye.
- You can take anti-inflammatory medications that help to boost tear production.
- You could take supplements to support overall eye health such as omega 3.
- You could wear punctal plugs that help your eyes stay hydrated for longer.
- You can speak with your healthcare provider about a personalized dry eye treatment plan.
After Surgery
- You should apply the eye drops that your surgeon has prescribed regularly.
- You should limit screen time, especially in the first week following surgery.
- You could use a humidifier to add moisture into the room.
- You should try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
It’s important to take proper care of your eyes both before and after treatment in order to achieve optimal results. Your surgeon and healthcare provider will tell you exactly what you should do and it’s essential that you follow their advice closely to minimize symptoms.
Alternative Vision Correction Options for Severe Dry Eye
If your condition is moderate to severe and you are unable to go ahead with LASIK treatment, rest assured that there are other options available.
EVO ICL
This is one of the most popular alternatives to LASIK surgery. The treatment itself involves inserting a thin flexible lens between your iris and your natural lens, correcting your vision from the inside out. There is no corneal cut needed so there is little risk of disruption to the corneal nerves responsible for tear production.
PRK
PRK is a type of laser surgery that does not involve creating a flap in the cornea. Instead, the entire corneal epithelium is removed to give deeper access. A laser is used to fix any irregularities before a soft contact lens is applied to kickstart the healing process. As there is no flap created in the cornea, the risk of corneal nerve disruption is minimized.
SMILE
A newer form of laser eye surgery, SMILE is the least invasive option. Often likened to keyhole surgery; a small incision is made on the surface of the cornea, a laser used to create a tunnel, and then tools used to remove the necessary corneal tissue. The incision is much smaller than other procedures, which allows the corneal nerve responsible for tear production to remain largely intact.
Making an Informed Decision with a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam and discussion with your surgeon or healthcare provider will give you the information you need to make an informed decision on treatment. If your dry eye condition is mild, you may be able to proceed with LASIK. If it is moderate or severe, an alternative treatment option will likely be recommended.
If you want to learn more about whether LASIK surgery is the right treatment for you, get in touch with the experts at IQ Laser Vision. With 60 years of experience and over 300,000 successful surgeries performed, you are in safe hands.
We know exactly how to treat dry eye patients and are able to recommend the best course of treatment for your needs, whether that be LASIK or another type of laser eye surgery. Book in for your free consultation today by calling (888) 727-0253 or completing an online enquiry form.
