Why Can LASIK Lead To Dry Eye

Why Can LASIK Lead to Dry Eyes?

LASIK and other vision correction procedures involve penetration of the eye surface, which can lead to reduced corneal nerve sensitivity. Dry eye can result if your eyes struggle to sense when they need to produce tear lubrication after the surgery.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Dry eye is a common side effect of LASIK surgery for both people who suffer from the condition before the procedure and those who have never experienced dry eye. However, those with higher degrees of myopia tend to be more at risk for dry eye because these patients require a deeper removal of corneal tissue to reshape the eye. More significantly, for 25% of patients, dry eye symptoms are found to persist for up to six months after surgery. Older age, certain allergies, autoimmune diseases can also contribute to dry eye, so patients who fit these criteria should be extra aware of the potential dry eye side effects of these procedures.

If any of these risk factors apply to you and you are suffering from dry, sore, itchy or watery eyes, make sure to see your physician to find out the root cause.  

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