Can Laser Surgery Cause Severe Dry Eyes? Post-Procedure Symptoms

Q: Can Laser Surgery Cause Severe Dry Eyes? Post-Procedure Symptoms

Hello Mr. <br>Wang： The laser treatment is performed on the retina, so it is unrelated to dry eye. <br>There are treatment options for dry eye syndrome. <br>Please refer to： https：//reurl.cc/EZdQ4v and consider consulting the ophthalmology department at a teaching hospital.

Retinal tear

In September, I paid for a dry eye examination, where my tear production was measured at 17 for the left eye and 7 for the right eye.
There was evidence of meibomian gland obstruction, and the lipid layer was approximately 35.
The doctor advised me to apply warm compresses, and at that time, my eyes were in normal condition, with only mild discomfort occurring during long drives.

At the end of October, I underwent a fundus examination, and the doctor noted that both eyes had retinal tears (the left eye was close to a full tear, while the right eye had a small tear and a thinner area).
Following the doctor's recommendation, I had laser surgery.
Currently, my vision post-laser surgery is generally good, but unexpectedly, my eyes have become extremely dry.

I am experiencing the following symptoms:
1.
After driving for less than a minute, my eyes start to feel dry and painful.
I have tried using artificial tears while driving, but the effect is limited.
Using public transportation also increases discomfort due to the air conditioning in the vehicle, and exposure to cold air outdoors causes my eyes to water and feel uncomfortable.

2.
Sometimes, my eyes feel very irritated, and using preservative-free artificial tears has not effectively improved the situation.
I have also tried eye ointments, but the results remain limited.

3.
My eyes have become very sticky, and I often have discharge, making it difficult to open my eyes upon waking.
Recently, I returned to the doctor for a check-up, and the doctor indicated that I have corneal dryness and conjunctival inflammation.
However, they believe the symptoms are not caused by the laser treatment and only prescribed anti-inflammatory medication while advising me to use more artificial tears.

For over a month now, I have been suffering greatly due to these symptoms, which have severely impacted many aspects of my life.
The doctors I have seen do not believe that the laser treatment could lead to such side effects.
I would like to ask the doctor: Can retinal laser treatment cause severe dry eyes? Is there a way to return to the pre-surgery condition, or will I have to live with this condition for life?

Mr. Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/05

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Mr.
Wang: The laser treatment is performed on the retina, so it is unrelated to dry eye.
There are treatment options for dry eye syndrome.
Please refer to: https://reurl.cc/EZdQ4v and consider consulting the ophthalmology department at a teaching hospital.

Reply Date: 2021/12/05

More Info

Laser surgery, particularly procedures like retinal laser treatment, can indeed lead to symptoms of dry eyes, although the relationship is not always direct or straightforward. In your case, it seems that you have a pre-existing condition of dry eye syndrome, which can be exacerbated by various factors, including surgical interventions.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye's surface. Common symptoms include dryness, irritation, a gritty sensation, and excessive tearing. In your situation, the pre-existing condition of dry eyes, combined with the stress and potential trauma of laser surgery, may have contributed to the worsening of your symptoms.

Potential Causes of Worsening Dry Eyes Post-Surgery
1. Surgical Trauma: Any surgical procedure can cause temporary changes in the eye's surface and tear production. The laser treatment may have affected the corneal nerves, which play a crucial role in tear production and eye comfort.

2. Inflammation: Post-surgical inflammation can lead to increased tear film instability, which may exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Your doctor’s observation of corneal dryness and conjunctival inflammation suggests that inflammation could be a significant factor in your discomfort.

3. Environmental Factors: After surgery, your eyes may become more sensitive to environmental factors such as air conditioning, wind, and cold air, which can further aggravate dry eye symptoms.

4. Medication Side Effects: Some medications prescribed post-surgery, including anti-inflammatory drops, may have side effects that contribute to dryness or discomfort.

Addressing Your Symptoms
1. Artificial Tears: While you mentioned that artificial tears have limited effectiveness, it may be beneficial to try different formulations, including preservative-free options or gels that provide longer-lasting relief.
2. Punctal Plugs: If your dry eye symptoms are severe and persistent, you might want to discuss the option of punctal plugs with your eye care provider. These small devices are inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and help keep the eyes moist.

3. Warm Compresses and Lid Hygiene: Regularly applying warm compresses can help unclog any blocked meibomian glands, improving the quality of your tear film. Additionally, maintaining good eyelid hygiene can help reduce inflammation.

4. Environmental Adjustments: Consider using a humidifier in your home or workplace to combat dry air, and take frequent breaks when using screens to reduce eye strain.

5. Follow-Up Care: It’s crucial to maintain regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist. If your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out other underlying conditions or complications.

Long-Term Outlook
While it’s difficult to predict whether you will return to your pre-surgery state, many patients experience improvement over time as the eyes heal and adapt. However, some may continue to experience chronic dry eye symptoms, especially if they had a pre-existing condition.
In conclusion, while laser surgery can contribute to dry eye symptoms, it is essential to work closely with your eye care provider to develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to your specific needs. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many patients find relief from their symptoms and can significantly improve their quality of life.

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