{"id":3094,"date":"2025-11-26T19:57:26","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T17:57:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dralinowrouzi.com\/?p=3094"},"modified":"2026-04-25T20:01:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T18:01:19","slug":"dry-eye-after-refractive-surgery-and-refractive-lensectomy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dralinowrouzi.com\/en\/blog\/ojo-seco-tras-cirugia-refractiva-y-lensectomia-refractiva\/","title":{"rendered":"Dry eye after refractive surgery and refractive lensectomy or cataract: causes, prevention and modern treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

The refractive surgery<\/a> (such as LASIK, lenticule extraction or PRK), refractive lensectomy and cataract surgery are safe procedures with very high visual success rates. However, one of the most frequent - and at the same time most under-diagnosed - side effects is post-surgical dry eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although in most cases it is temporary, it can significantly affect visual quality and comfort if not correctly diagnosed and treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article we explain why it occurs, how to prevent it, the importance of advanced preoperative assessment, and the modern treatments available to manage it effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why can dry eye occur after surgery?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Post-surgical dry eye may be due to different mechanisms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Temporary impairment of corneal nerve endings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both corneal laser and lens incision can affect the sensitivity of the cornea. This reduces basal tear production and alters the blink reflex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Inflammation of the ocular surface<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All surgery produces a certain degree of inflammation, which can destabilise the tear film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Meibomian gland dysfunction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The glands that produce the lipid layer of tears may already be altered before surgery, but if left undiagnosed and untreated, surgery can aggravate the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Individual factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age, prolonged screen use, hormonal factors or a history of subclinical dry eye increase the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key to avoiding problems: advanced pre-operative diagnosis<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We now know that more than 50 % of candidates for refractive or lens surgery have signs of dry eye prior to surgery, although many are not aware of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, a complete ocular surface evaluation is essential to avoid postoperative complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important advanced tests include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25cf Comprehensive dry eye study<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Includes analysis of tear break-up time (TBUT), tear osmolarity, quantification of inflammation and assessment of tear film instability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25cf Meibography or meibomiography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It allows direct visualisation of the Meibomian glands by infrared imaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It detects glandular leakage, obstruction or atrophy that could worsen after surgery if left untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25cf TearLab<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It measures tear osmolarity, one of the most sensitive markers for detecting dry eye even in early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accurate diagnosis prior to surgery allows for preventative treatment and ensures that the patient arrives at the operating theatre with an optimal ocular surface, which improves the final visual quality and reduces the likelihood of prolonged dry eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Choosing the right surgical technique reduces risks<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all surgical techniques have the same impact on the ocular surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To minimise the risk of dry eye, it is essential to choose advanced and minimally invasive methods, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25cf Femtosecond laser surgery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether for refractive surgery (Femtolasik, Smile\/Lenticule Extraction) or for cataract or lens surgery, the femtosecond<\/a> allows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n