Refactive Surgery / Lasik Dry Eyes

One of the most common complications of Laser Refractive Surgery (also known as PRK and Lasik) is temporary or chronic dry eyes caused by the disruption to the fine balance of the normal tear film covering and protecting the eye.

The symptoms are the same as dry eyes arising from other, more natural causes. That is soreness, foreign body sensation, sometimes excessive eye watering (over compensating lachrymal tears production) and extreme sensitivity to light.

During refractive surgery the covering of the cornea is separated and the cells that produce the primer mucus layer are compromised. As a result the tear film is unstable and "breaks up" more quickly than usual necessitating frequent blinking to recover the eye with tear film.

Unfortunately the tear film disruption when dry eyes are felt does affect vision. The patchy tear covering the eyes introduce aberration which can make the laser surgery seem less successful unless a balanced and stable tear film is restored.

Recommended laser dry eyes treatment: because the eye surface has been physically damaged a smooth high quality tear replacement is called for:

1. sterile
2. preservative-free
3. non-blurring
4. long acting

Next: How to obtain Preservative-Free Hyaluronate Mini-Droppers