Preop dry eye a risk factor for more severe symptoms after LASIK

TOKYO — Preoperative dry eye does not affect the safety or efficacy of LASIK but is a risk factor for more severe symptoms postoperatively. Dry eye patients can experience severe postop dry eye with lower tear function, more vital staining of the ocular surface and more severe symptoms, according to a large study.

Researchers here with the Minamiaoyama Eye Clinic divided 543 eyes that underwent LASIK into one of three groups: those with definite dry eye, those with probable dry eye and those without dry eye preoperatively. They evaluated visual outcomes, dry-eye status and postoperative complications for a year after the procedure.

There were no significant differences among the groups in uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction and patient satisfaction. Corneal dryness after LASIK was more severe in the group with existing dry eye than in the group without dry eye before LASIK. The mean results of Schirmer’s test with anesthesia and tear breakup times were significantly lower in the dry eye group than in the non-dry eye group. Fluorescein scores were higher in the dry eye group than in the non-dry eye group as well.

The researchers found no difference in the incidence of complications among the three groups. Corneal sensitivity was recovered within 6 months after LASIK in the dry eye and probable dry eye groups and within 3 months in the non-dry eye group.

The study is published in the August issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.