Can You Get Femtosecond Laser Surgery with Moderate Myopia and Dry Eyes?

Q: Can You Get Femtosecond Laser Surgery with Moderate Myopia and Dry Eyes?

Hello： As long as your prescription has stabilized in recent years, you can undergo laser treatment now without having to wait until you are 30 years old. <br>You are still young, and after the laser procedure, you should not have difficulty working long hours on a computer. <br>

Moderate myopia with dry eye syndrome, considering femtosecond laser surgery?

Hello: I have myopia of -4.50 diopters in my left eye and -5.00 diopters in my right eye, along with approximately -2.00 diopters of astigmatism, and I also have mild dry eye syndrome (without a history of dry eye disease).
I plan to pursue a career that requires long hours of computer use, and I would like to know if I can undergo femtosecond laser surgery now, or should I wait until I am 30 years old? Thank you.

Zhan Yuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/01/07

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: As long as your prescription has stabilized in recent years, you can undergo laser treatment now without having to wait until you are 30 years old.
You are still young, and after the laser procedure, you should not have difficulty working long hours on a computer.
However, the issue of insufficient tear production may become more pronounced after the laser treatment, so you will need to supplement with artificial tears periodically.
Laser surgery requires several preoperative examinations and evaluations.
If you wish to proceed with the laser surgery, the surgeon will provide you with a more detailed explanation.
Thank you for your message.

Reply Date: 2013/01/07

More Info

When considering femtosecond laser surgery, commonly known as LASIK or similar procedures, for individuals with moderate myopia and dry eyes, several factors must be taken into account. Your current prescription of -4.50 diopters in the left eye and -5.00 diopters in the right eye, along with approximately -2.00 diopters of astigmatism, places you in a category where laser surgery could be beneficial. However, the presence of mild dry eye syndrome complicates the decision.

Understanding the Procedure:
Femtosecond laser surgery is a popular refractive surgery technique that uses a laser to create a corneal flap and then reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The procedure is generally safe and effective, with many patients achieving 20/25 vision or better post-surgery.

Considerations for Dry Eyes:
Dry eyes can significantly impact the outcomes of laser eye surgery. The procedure can exacerbate existing dry eye symptoms due to the disruption of corneal nerves, which play a crucial role in tear production. Patients with pre-existing dry eye conditions may experience worsened symptoms post-surgery, which can lead to discomfort and visual disturbances.

Before proceeding with surgery, it is essential to have a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist. They will assess the severity of your dry eye condition through tests such as tear break-up time, Schirmer's test, and corneal staining. If your dry eye is mild and well-managed, you may still be a candidate for surgery. However, if your dry eye symptoms are significant, your doctor may recommend treating the condition first, possibly with artificial tears, punctal plugs, or other therapies.

Age Considerations:
Regarding age, while many surgeons prefer to wait until a patient is at least 18 years old to ensure that their vision has stabilized, there is no strict upper age limit for undergoing laser surgery. In fact, many patients in their late 20s and early 30s successfully undergo the procedure. Your age of 30 is generally considered appropriate for refractive surgery, provided your eye health is stable.

Post-Operative Care:
If you decide to proceed with femtosecond laser surgery, it is crucial to follow post-operative care instructions meticulously. This includes using prescribed eye drops to manage dryness and inflammation, avoiding contact lenses for a specified period before and after surgery, and attending all follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.

Conclusion:
In summary, you may be a candidate for femtosecond laser surgery despite having moderate myopia and mild dry eyes. However, it is vital to address your dry eye condition before proceeding with surgery. Consult with a qualified ophthalmologist who can evaluate your specific situation and provide personalized recommendations. They may suggest a treatment plan for your dry eyes prior to considering surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome for your vision correction needs.

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