Dry eye after refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, SMILE) is common. Although it is usually temporary, it can becomepersistent and un
if not anticipated and managed correctly. Today, the challenge is no longer limited to visual correction: the quality of the ocular surface directly affects comfort, recovery, and patient satisfaction.
Why can refractive surgery worsen dry eyes?
Refractive surgery may result in:
- a temporary decrease in corneal sensitivity
, - a disruption in tear production,
- instability of the tear film,
- the discovery of pre-existing dry eye syndrome, which is sometimes asymptomatic.
In many cases, surgery does not "create" dryness: it
exacerbates an already fragile condition.
The different profiles of dry eye after surgery
In particular, we distinguish between:
- transient postoperative dryness (the most common
),
evaporative dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD),- persistent inflammatory dryness,
- Intolerance to therapeutic lenses after surgery
, - chronic visual discomfort that can impair
quality of life.
Phenicia Vision's approach before and after refractive surgery
At Phenicia Vision, dry eye is an integral part of the care pathway. It is:
- systematically screened before
the procedure, - processed upstream if necessary,
- monitored and adjusted after surgery.
Before refractive surgery
- Comprehensive dry eye assessment (clinical +
SIRIUS instrumental analysis), - screening for MGD and inflammation,
- implementation of a personalized preventive treatment plan
, - Optimization of the ocular surface prior to surgical procedure
.
After refractive surgery
- individualized monitoring of the surface of the eye,
- precise adjustment of treatments,
- Use of targeted technologies (LipiFlow, LED) in cases of persistent dry eye (
) - Reduction in the risk of chronic discomfort and visual impairment. Long-lasting
.
Result: improved comfort, faster visual recovery, and greater overall satisfaction.
Dry eye syndrome: a disorder of the tear film
Dry eye syndrome is not just a lack of tear
. It is an imbalance in the tear film,
which consists of three layers:
- lipid (Meibomian glands),
- aqueous (lacrimal glands),
- mucinous (adhesion to the ocular surface).
When the lipid layer is deficient, evaporation accelerates
: this is evaporative dry eye, the most common form of dry eye today.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): the number one cause
MGD is responsible for more than 80% of dry eye cases.
Blocked glands or poor-quality lipid secretion lead to:
- excessive evaporation of tears,
- dryness of the ocular surface,
- chronic inflammation.
Artificial tears alone do not treat the cause.
Common symptoms that should not be dismissed
- feeling of a foreign body or grit in the eye,
- burning, stinging, redness,
- blurred vision, eye strain from screens,
- increased sensitivity to light,
- discomfort when wearing contact lenses,
- heavy or sticky eyelids.
Without appropriate treatment, these signs can develop into chronic damage to the surface of the eye.
Dry eyes and the Marseille environment
In Marseille, the Mediterranean climate, wind, pollution, dry air conditioning, and sun exposure contribute to dry eyes. Phenicia Vision's protocols are tailored to local environmental constraints, with
a preventive and curative approach.
An accurate and objective assessment of dry eye syndrome
Before any treatment, Phenicia Vision performs a comprehensive assessment using SIRIUS imaging, which allows:
- detailed analysis of the ocular surface,
- assessment of tear film stability,
- identification of the type of drought (evaporative, aqueous, or mixed-
), - Objective monitoring of progress after treatment (LipiFlow, LED,
medical care).
In summary
Dry eye syndrome is a key issue in modern refractive surgery.
A comprehensive, proactive, and technological approach ensures reliable visual outcomes and lasting improvement in patient comfort.
At Phenicia Vision, the ocular surface is never a minor detail: it is a medical priority.
