How Does it Impact Laser Vision Correction Recovery and Suitability?

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye is a common condition affecting millions of Australians, particularly those who spend extended hours in air-conditioned environments, on digital screens, or exposed to the country’s dry and windy climate.

It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, redness, irritation, and if chronic, can also lead to visual issues.

The tear film, which keeps the eyes lubricated, is made up of three essential layers – the oily layer, the watery layer, and the mucous layer. A disruption in any of these layers can lead to dry eye symptoms.

For individuals considering Laser Vision Correction, understanding if you suffer from pre-existing dry eye, and how to manage it so it doesn’t impact your recovery post-procedure is important as the laser procedure can cause disruption.

How does Dry Eye affect suitability for Laser Vision Correction?

Laser Vision Correction procedures, such as SMILE Pro, LASIK and PRK, involve reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and enable you to live glasses and contact lens free.

Although laser is un-invasive with fast visual recovery and healing times, these procedures can affect the corneal nerves and as a result can temporarily reduce tear production, resulting in dry eye symptoms.

If you have moderate to severe dry eye before surgery, an ophthalmologist may advise that SMILE or PRK is a more suitable laser option that LASIK technology, or they may emphasise the regular and extended use of eye drops post-surgery is critical in recovery and ongoing management of your dry eye.

How do I know if I have dry eyes?

At Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre, the first step in understanding your suitability and best option for laser begins with either an in-house or an online zoom consultation with one of our experienced laser counsellors. During this 15-20 minute consultation they will gather information like your prescription, your visual goals, and ask questions to understand if you may suffer from dry eyes. If dry eye syndrome is a possibility, they will advise that you use lubricating eye drops for a week prior to your pre-operative assessment to prepare the ocular surface for accurate testing.

Pre-operative assessment

When you attend this clinical assessment, you will meet your ophthalmologist and our team of ophthalmic experts, who, along with evaluating your suitability and the best laser technology for your unique eyes, will also evaluate your tear film stability using a series of painless tests.

If dry eye symptoms are present, a simple treatment and management routine will be recommended in the lead up to your procedure.

Managing Dry Eye Before Laser Vision Correction

To prepare the ocular surface for laser, and to assist in visual outcomes and post procedure recovery and comfort, your ophthalmologist may recommend a dry eye treatment plan in the week leading up to your procedure.

 This may include:

• Using lubricating and preservative-free eye drops to maintain moisture.
• Using warm compresses to unblock oil glands and improve tear quality.
• Use of prescription eye drops to help reduce inflammation.
• Using humidifiers, avoiding air conditioning exposure and other drying environments as well as taking breaks from screens can help minimise tear evaporation.

How Dry Eye can affect recovery after laser and how to best manage it

Post-procedure, it is normal to experience temporary dry eye symptoms, as the corneal nerves responsible for regulating tear production have been disrupted.

This can last anywhere from 2 – 6 weeks until the nerves in the ocular surface are fully healed and can be easily managed to ensure no discomfort and inflammation is present.

Common symptoms of post-laser dry eye include:

• Grittiness or foreign body sensation
• Fluctuating vision
• Increased light sensitivity
• Burning or stinging sensation

To support recovery and reduce discomfort, your ophthalmologists will recommend:

• Frequent use of preservative-free lubricating eye drops
• Following the prescribed anti-inflammatory medication regimen
• Avoiding screen time and environmental triggers, such as wind or air-conditioning when possible
• Wearing protective sunglasses when outdoors
• Staying hydrated

Most patients see rapid and significant improvement in dry eye symptoms as the nerves regenerate over the coming 2-6 weeks and will cease needing the support of regular eye drops.

For those that suffer from dry eye, recovery may take longer, and the same recovery regime as dot pointed above may be employed regularly and without concern ongoing.

Conclusion

Dry eye is a consideration in both the suitability and recovery process for laser vision correction. The good news is that it can be successfully managed and that there are suitable options so those with dry eye can benefit from this lifestyle enhancing technology.

If you experience dry eye symptoms and are considering laser vision correction, it’s essential to undergo a thorough eye examination with an experienced ophthalmologist to determine the best approach for your unique eye health.

With proper diagnosis, treatment, and pre and post procedure management, individuals with dry eye can achieve clear, comfortable vision through Laser Vision Correction.

Curious to understand your Laser Vision Correction suitability now?

We have created an Online Eye Suitability Test here. In three quick questions and less than three minutes we can indicate your likely suitability and options, and help you book an appointment.

Take the test here! Or book a complimentary Laser Vision Assessment here.

If you would like to seek a referral to our care or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team on 08 8274 7000 or by filling out the contact form here.