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.
