Will you get dry eyes after lens replacement surgery?

Will you get dry eyes after lens replacement surgery?

Some patients experience dry eyes after refractive lens exchange. This is an average side effect after surgery, and in a 2019 study, 42¹ cataract patients (a virtually identical surgical procedure) had the symptoms of dry eyes post-surgery. So dry eyes are relatively common, but you can relieve them with proper after-care, and we have multiple ways to treat them.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

You may have dry eyes if they feel tender, sting or burn. Dry eyes are often accompanied by redness in the eye, short-term blurriness and increased sensitivity to light. ²

Why do dry eyes occur?

Dry eyes are a natural response to surgery. As lens replacement is a more invasive procedure compared to laser eye surgery, the eye tissue may get interrupted, which therefore causes dry eyes.

What is the treatment for dry eyes?

We will initially prescribe you artificial tears, a form of eye drops that lubricates your eye.

If symptoms of dry eyes persist, then we can offer:³

• 0.05% cyclosporine, which you can apply twice daily. This relieves any irritation at the surface of the eye.
• Lifitegrast blocks two key molecules to tackle inflammation alongside a short course of antibiotics.
• Punctal plugs, which are tiny plugs people can lay near the tear duct so that no excess tears are draining.

Are there any home remedies?

There are some great options you can take to address the potential dry-eyes yourself:

• Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements for the positive effects on your eye-health.
• Wearing sunglasses⁴ to reduce your exposure to bright light.
• Blinking regularly to keep the eyes lubricated.
• Drinking lots of water to keep your eyes hydrated.

How long will dry eyes last?

This varies depending on what treatment people use. But typically, dry eyes can last between 6-8 weeks ⁵. It can take a few months or longer if patients have pre-existing dry eyes or don’t address them consistently.

Dry eyes are a relatively mild side effect which can be addressed with the right attention. If you’d like to learn more about lens replacement side effects or anything else, book an assessment with us.