Refractive Surgery And Dry Eyes - Before And After The Operation

Do refractive surgery and dry eyes always go together? And what can be done before and after the procedure to prevent the problem or moderate the condition?

There are several types of this surgical procedure available depending on your individual situation.

Refractive eye surgery includes the common LASIK, PRK, ALK, EPI-LASIK and LASEK.

The differences are that some are surface techniques and some are what are called "flap" techniques; some use a steel blade to make incisions and some use a laser to make necessary cuts. Regardless of which technique is used, these procedures often results in postoperative dry eye.

Even myopic patients that have no history of dry eyes might experience the malady after refractive eye surgery.

It is possible to lessen the effects with a few things that you need to know.

Refractive Surgery And Dry Eyes - Before The Procedure

Ask your doctor to check for existing dry eye syndrome. Even if you have no history of it, a degree of the condition can become a bigger problem after the surgery.

Also ask what type of instrument will be used to make necessary cuts to the eye. A steel blade will usually cause a deeper cut and intensify the dry eye effects.

If possible, insist on a laser scalpel during the procedure. This will lessen the nerve damage when the cuts are made.

The nerve damage is inevitable and will cause the blinking and tearing reflexes to be affected. This is the root cause of dry eyes afterwards.

Refractive Surgery And Dry Eyes - After The Procedure

After the surgery, ask for a prescription for artificial tears. This will help lubricate the eye and help with the blink/tear reflex.

Currently, a medication called Restasis is commonly used.

These precautions and post-operative treatments will do three things:

• help the healing process
• sharpen the vision quicker
• and lessen the nerve damage that will occur

Usually the dry eye effects will last for approximately 30 days or so. In some cases, the dry eyes may last for as long as 6 months. This is not the norm and has been noted in about 20% of all refractive surgery patients.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are a new treatment that can be used to improve dry eye syndrome after refractive eye surgery.

Temporary punctal plugs can be inserted if the condition is temporary. They will dissolve after three months alleviating the irritation.

If dry eyes have become a chronic condition, silicone punctal plugs can be used instead. They remain in the eye for as long as you think they help. Still they can be removed anytime by your ophthalmologist.

Even with the occurrence of dry eyes after surgery, refractive eye procedures are still the best way for some myopia sufferers to find vision correction. In most cases, the results of refractive surgery are an increase to as good as 20/40 or better. This is especially true of myopic patients with severe nearsightedness issues.

Ask your doctor for more details and do a little research before you go to the consultation. It is surprising what a little knowledge can do for you. Talk to the doctor on his level and you will get the absolute best results from your refractive eye surgery.

Before you commit to surgery, be sure to research all possible side effects that may occur.



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