You may experience dry eye following cataract surgery. Learn more about why this is, and what you can do about it.
Studies show that more than half of the people who get cataract surgery experience symptoms of dry eye, often referred to as 'Dry Eye after Cataract Surgery'. In most cases, it's temporary, and the severity can vary.
A major cause of dry eye is disruptions in tear production or the tear film. This can occur as a result of the cataract procedure, due to the proximity of the surgical procedure to the corneal nerves and the risk of irritation which can lead to inflammation. These issues can be examined by your local eye doctor or optometrist before you go for your procedure. The type of cataract surgery can affect the degree of dryness experienced.
Cataract surgery can also exacerbate dry eye symptoms in people who previously had mild symptoms or were asymptomatic. It's crucial to consult your eye care professional about the possibility of this occurring.
In addition to the obvious feeling of dryness, dry eye symptoms can include:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms following your cataract surgery, schedule an evaluation with your eye care professional.
Before your cataract surgery, ideally at a reputable eye care clinic, you should get a thorough evaluation of your ocular surface to prepare for any possible occurrence of dry eye after cataract surgery.
Also, if you already suffer from dry eye syndrome prior to the procedure, make sure your optometrist is aware. You may receive recommendations of things you can do both before and after the surgery to decrease the chances of developing dry eye symptoms afterward, or to mitigate the severity. These may be at-home or in-office treatment recommendations that your optometrist can provide over the phone.
Following your cataract surgery, our eye care professional will perform tests to make sure the operation was successful, and to determine whether you are at risk of dry eye symptoms or dry eye after cataract surgery. Similar to preoperative assessments, these tests may involve the use of specialized dyes to detect any issues on the cornea or the ocular surface. Additionally, you might be asked to fill out surveys to help our eye doctor gauge any symptoms you may be experiencing. Examples of such surveys include the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) or the Ocular Surface Disease Index (ODSI) surveys.
Topical artificial tears are commonly suggested as a treatment option for people with dry eye after cataract surgery. There are a variety of tear formulations available, for patients with particularly sensitive eyes or other issues that may make standard artificial tears ineffective or unsafe.
If you are considering cataract surgery and have additional questions or wish to schedule a consultation, reach out to the nearest listed practice either via a call or in-person visit. They are ready and equipped to provide you with the care you need.