LASIK Dry Eye

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Dry Eyes can occur both before and after LASIK Eye Surgery. It is important that you understand the basics of Dry Eye Syndrome when considering LASIK. Made known to your surgeon the possibility that you may be predisposed to Dry Eyes Syndrome, so that a proper preoperative treatment can be provided to you in order to achieve the best possible LASIK results and experience.

The Tear Film
Normal tear film consists of three layers.

Oily layer - Produced by the Meibomian Glands, this is the outermost layer of the tear film. This layer produces a smooth tear film and prevents it from evaporating too quickly.

Aqueous layer - Produced by the Lacrimal Gland, this is the middle layer. A watery layer that washes away debris from the eye's surface. It is and is what we normally think of as tears.

Mucous layer - The innermost layer and is composed of mucous produced by the conjuctiva or the clear covering of the eye tissues. This layer allows the normal tear film to stick to the surface of the eye.

Each time you blink, your eyelids act to smooth the tear film an smooth it over the eye's surface. This produces a smooth optical surface and clear vision. People who have Dry Eyes and do not have a smooth and regular tear film often have blurry vision from the lack of a smooth tear film.

LASIK and Dry Eyes
During the LASIK procedure, a thin layer of tissue called "flap" is created, under which the actual laser energy is applied to reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. When the flap is created, the very fine cornea nerves may be severed as part of the LASIK procedure. This is a normal part of the procedure. However, these nerves are required in order "signal" the Lacrimal Gland to produce tears. So, sometimes, the temporary interruption of the corneal nerve impulses can actually cause a lesser amount of tears to be produced, resulting in Dry Eyes after LASIK.

About Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eyes is a condition where there is an unusual dryness of the cornea. This is usually due to deficiency in normal tear production to keep the eye moist and comfortable.

Possible Causes
Environment  factors - such as smoke, wind, dry Air, air conditioning, and sunlight may affect the tear production.

Long-term contact lens wear - If you wear contact lenses you are also at risk of encountering this condition. Depends on the contact lens products that you use, the frequency that you use them and how well you take care of your contacts. Contact lens make your eyes more sensitive and if is not properly used could dry out your eyes.

Systemic diseases - such as Sjorgen's Syndrome in which the Dry Eyes may be accompanied by a dry mouth and arthritis all at once.

Medication - some prescription medications (such as diuretics, beta blockers etc.) might reduce the production of tears and cause Dry Eyes.

Aging - As you get older, dry eye conditions become much more common because normal production of tears begins to slow down. It has been found that almost 75% of seniors have some form of dry eye conditions.

Gender - commonly occurs in women approaching and after menopause.

Symptoms
When eyes are exposed to a large amount of any of the above factors, you may experience a number of common symptoms that can include

• an increased pain or discomfort and irritation

• stinging or burning

• scratchiness

• excessive mucous in or around your eyes

• reduced tolerance to smoke or wind

• foreign body sensation

• light sensitivity

• frequent blinking

• a red or pink eye and tearing

If this is the case, visit an eye doctor immediately to avoid this condition getting any worse.

Diagnosis
There are several diagnostic tests use to help diagnose Dry Eyes

Treatment
There are many ways to treat Dry Eyes. These include easily placed Tear Duct Plugs to help you retain a greater amount of tears that you produce, certain dietary supplements as well as prescription medications such as Restasis which will actually stimulate your own natural tear film production.