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Dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis
I Toda1, N Asano-Kato, Y Komai-Hori
1Minamiaoyama Eye Clinic, Tokyo, Japan. ikuko@tka.att.ne.jp
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 5, 2001
Summary
Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery can cause temporary dry eye symptoms and reduced tear function in patients. Early use of artificial tears post-LASIK may help alleviate discomfort and prevent ocular surface damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Postoperative dry eye is a potential complication following LASIK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of dry eye after LASIK.
- To evaluate changes in tear function, ocular surface, and corneal sensitivity post-LASIK.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 124 eyes from 64 patients undergoing LASIK.
- Assessment of dry eye symptoms, Schirmer test, tear clearance, tear break-up time, vital staining, corneal sensitivity, and blink rate.
- Preoperative and postoperative (1, 3, 6, 12 months) data analysis.
Main Results:
- Increased dry eye symptoms and decreased tear function index and tear break-up time observed post-LASIK.
- Reduced corneal sensitivity and blink rate noted at various postoperative intervals.
- Ocular surface staining generally remained stable, with some improvement in rose bengal scores at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- LASIK patients experience dry eye and compromised tear function for at least one month post-surgery.
- Artificial tears are recommended in the early postoperative period to manage symptoms and protect the ocular surface.