Dry eye and laser diopter removal

Laser removal of diopters and dry eye syndrome

Laser dioptre removal is an increasingly popular method of permanently correcting dioptres and achieving good vision without glasses and contact lenses.

There are many prejudices related to laser hair removal. One of them is that the surgery leaves permanent effects on vision, such as chronic dry eye.

Dry eye occurs in some patients as one of the complaints in the early postoperative period. Most often, these disturbances last one to two weeks after the procedure, with a tendency to decrease day by day. In rare cases, when the patient has a predisposition, i.e. decreased secretion of tears from before, the disturbances may last for several months.

If you are planning laser eye removal in advance, this should not discourage you, since an experienced surgeon will suggest measures and medications that will increase the moisture of the eyes and the feeling of comfort.

What is dry eye syndrome?

When a person does not have enough tears or the tears are of poor quality, it becomes difficult to moisten and lubricate the surface of the eye. We call this condition dry eye syndrome .

Previously, dry eye syndrome was far more common in the elderly population. Today, due to the daily use of computers and mobile phones, the symptoms of dry eye are increasingly felt by younger patients.

Dry eye symptoms

• Eye dryness causes irritation.
• Pressure or pain in the eye.
• Sensation of sand, an eyelash or a foreign body in the eye.
• Scratching, burning, red and tired eyes.
• Closed eyelids upon waking.
• Hypersensitivity to light and transient decrease in visual acuity.

Laser removal of diopters and dry eye

Dryness of the eye is one of the most common complaints that occurs during recovery after laser dioptre removal, which can prolong the stabilization of visual acuity after surgery.

Research results show that in more than half of operated patients, these symptoms disappear 7 days after the operation. In 10% of operated patients, these side effects can last up to 6 months after the operation.

Am I a candidate for laser diopter removal if I have dry eye even before the operation?

And patients with a weaker tear film can be good candidates for laser ablation.

It is very important to perform a test as part of the examination to check whether the lacrimal glands secrete a sufficient amount of tears. The most famous tests for examining dry eye are:

• Schirmer test – putting filter paper in the eye to measure humidity (normally over 15mm).
• BUT test – staining the cornea with fluorescein and monitoring tear film rupture (below 5 seconds indicates dry eye).

Recommendation: with a weak tear film, preference is given to the PRK method .

How to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye after laser diopter removal?

• Remove the lenses in a timely manner (7, 14 or 30 days depending on the type).
• Ensure enough sleep and rest before surgery.
• Use high-quality artificial tears without preservatives .
• In severe cases – corticosteroid drops only under the supervision of a doctor.
• Regularly come for post-operative check-ups.
• Consume enough water and omega-3 fatty acids.

After each operation, recovery time is required. By following the above measures and therapy, recovery after laser diopter removal will be faster and more comfortable. Focus on the benefits of the operation and enjoy clear vision without glasses and contact lenses.