Before you have surgery to remove cataracts or to improve your vision (Laser Eye Surgery) you should ensure your eyes are in the best possible condition. Dry eyes make surgery more complex and the results less favourable. It has been estimated that over 62% of patients waiting to have cataract surgery have Dry Eye Disease1.
If you have been advised to consider cataract surgery, or are thinking about Laser Eye Surgery because you do not like wearing glasses and contact lenses have not worked for you, it is essential to consider whether or not you may have Dry Eye Disease2.
Dry eyes make pre-surgery measurements less precise. When the tear film is depleted the eye's ability to focus is reduced. This can lead to inaccurate measurements before the surgery and compromise the final result.
Dry eyes can increase the risk of complications following surgery. Dry eyes can make the eyes more susceptible to infection and inflammation in the days after surgery.
Dry eyes can make the recovery process after surgery more uncomfortable. Dry eyes can cause burning, stinging, and other discomfort after surgery.
Whilst many people find that they have some dry eye in the weeks following surgery, improving the quality of your tears before surgery can help improve the overall outcome.
1 Stephenson, M. Dry-eye Management Before Surgery. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/9f7fytnu
2 Lifelong Learning. The Impact of Dry Eye on Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/4emnxmj4
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or are investigating Laser Eye Surgery then contact us about our pre-hab service to get your eyes into good condition prior to your operation, rather than purely relying on a lengthy rehab process after the event.
