What are the reasons why laser treatment worsens dry eye syndrome?
Disease description:
One year ago, I had eye laser surgery, but my dry eye symptoms worsened afterward. What could be the reason, and how can it be relieved?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cui Xin
Generally, laser surgery involves creating a corneal flap and then using an excimer laser to alter the cornea's refractive power. This process severs part of the patient's corneal sensory nerves, leading to reduced reflex tear secretion and decreased blink activity, which in turn causes abnormalities in tear film dynamics. If a corneal flap is present and stromal thickness changes, the distribution of tears on the ocular surface is also altered. Additionally, during surgery, conjunctival goblet cells may be damaged due to suction pressure, resulting in reduced mucin secretion. These factors are usually responsible when patients experience worsening dry eye symptoms after surgery. For patients with dry eye, I personally recommend using preservative-free eye drops to help alleviate postoperative dry eye symptoms.
