Is SMILE LASIK Possible Even with Dry Eyes?

We answer your questions about dry eye syndrome and SMILE LASIK.

Hello from BGN Eye Clinic, Jamsil Lotte Tower Branch!

Just as I noticed during my time as an optometrist, an increasing number of patients seem to be struggling with dry eye syndrome lately. During our recent visits to university campuses for festival season, many students we met shared similar concerns. As a result, we frequently receive the following question:

"Can I get SMILE LASIK if my eyes tend to be dry?"

Many people considering SMILE LASIK have worn contact lenses or glasses for a long time. Prolonged discomfort from poor vision often drives the decision to undergo surgery. However, regular contact lens wearers frequently experience drier, grittier, and more bloodshot eyes compared to those who do not wear lenses.

This often leads to anxiety: "Are my eyes unsuitable for surgery?" Today, I would like to provide a precise and realistic answer to this common concern for patients with dry eyes.

Can I Get SMILE LASIK if I Have Dry Eyes?

Vision correction surgery involves reshaping the cornea with a laser. In SMILE LASIK, a microscopic incision is made inside the cornea to remove a lenticule.

To get straight to the point: Having dry eyes does not mean SMILE LASIK is impossible.

Our head surgeons often determine that SMILE LASIK is viable even with severe dry eye syndrome. Think of dry eyes as a factor that affects the comfort of your recovery, rather than a barrier to the surgery itself. If you already have recurrent scratches on your corneal epithelium or significantly low tear production, you may simply experience more dryness post-surgery.

While SMILE LASIK causes less pain and offers a faster recovery than LASEK, dry eyes can still cause some discomfort. Understanding the severity of your dryness beforehand is highly beneficial when deciding on surgery.

Diagnosing Dry Eyes Through Examinations

Most patients with dry eye syndrome already feel the discomfort. However, some are unsure of their exact eye condition. Through comprehensive examinations, we can accurately measure your level of dryness:

• • Tear Film Stability: Measures how long tears remain on the eye's surface to determine the severity of dry eye syndrome.
• • Meibomian Gland Evaluation: Checks for blockages in the oil glands, ensuring the lipid layer that prevents tear evaporation is secreted properly.
• • Corneal Epithelial Assessment: Carefully inspects the corneal surface for microscopic scratches or damage caused by dryness.

Managing Dry Eyes with Care Programs

One patient mentioned during a consultation that she could only wear lenses in the morning; by the afternoon, her eyes were so dry she had to remove them on the bus, feeling as though her eyes were being pulled out. This indicates severe dryness.

Her examination revealed reduced Meibomian gland function. Fortunately, her corneal thickness and shape were suitable for surgery. Due to the severe dryness, our surgeon recommended incorporating a dry eye care program before and after the SMILE LASIK procedure as an optimal approach.

By proceeding with the post-operative dry eye care, she reported a rapid decrease in discomfort. Her prior awareness of her dry eyes likely helped her manage the condition more proactively. Proper pre- and post-operative care is just as crucial as confirming your eligibility for the surgery.

SMILE LASIK vs. LASEK: Which is Better for Dry Eyes?

This is another frequently asked question. Since the two surgeries operate on different principles and have different recovery processes, it is important to understand the distinctions.

Surgical Method Comparison

• • SMILE LASIK: Corrects vision through a tiny incision without creating a corneal flap. It features a minimal incision, less pain, fast recovery, and is less likely to induce severe dryness.
• • LASEK: Involves removing the epithelium before laser application. It requires an epithelial regeneration process, involves comparatively more pain and dryness, and can be more burdensome for already dry eyes.

Therefore, if dryness is a major concern, we often recommend SMILE LASIK as the more suitable option. Please remember, however, that the final decision must be based on precise examination results and a thorough consultation with our surgeons!

Pre- and Post-Surgery Care for Dry Eyes

• • Instill artificial tears 4 to 6 times a day!
• • When using digital devices, take at least a 20-second break for every 20 minutes of use!
• • Use a heated eye mask to help improve blood circulation!
• • If your dryness is severe, consider a specialized dry eye treatment like the Oasis Care Program after your surgery!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Eyes

Will my dry eyes get worse after surgery?

You may experience temporary dryness after surgery, but it typically improves naturally over time as your eyes heal.

Isn't it better to just wear contact lenses every day?

Contact lenses cover the cornea with a thin film every day, restricting oxygen supply and potentially worsening dry eye syndrome.

Consult Thoroughly with Our Medical Team!

You now know that surgery is possible even with dry eyes! The most important step is not just the surgery itself, but accurately assessing your eye condition and beginning the necessary care. The drier your eyes, the more preparation and care you need! Please prioritize your eye health in your daily life.