Refractive surgery and dry eye - An update

Dry eye disease is the most common complication and a frequent cause of patient dissatisfaction after corneal laser refractive surgery, which includes laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). It has a complex, multifactorial etiology and is characterized by a highly variable clinical presentation. A detailed preoperative screening and optimization of the ocular surface prior to refractive surgery are the key to minimizing the incidence and severity of postoperative dry eye. Diagnosis of postrefractive surgery dry eye remains a challenge as no single symptom or clinical parameter is confirmative of the condition, and the symptoms and signs may not correlate well in many cases. A thorough understanding of the pathomechanism of the disease and its manifestations is essential to facilitate a treatment approach that is individualized for each patient. This article reviews various aspects of postrefractive surgery dry eye including its epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, and management.