With all things relating to surgery, risks of side effects and complications are important considerations. One known important side effect of LASIK surgery is that of dry eye syndrome.
Part of the assessment of whether a person is suitable for LASIK is to look out for signs of pre-existing severe dry eyes which may effect the patient via a poor corneal surface resulting in transient blurring of vision and discomfort by way of foreign body sensation over the eyes.
In addition, it is important to identify the causes of dry eyes which may either be reversible or irreversible. Patients who exhibit severe irreversible dry eye syndrome, that is resistant to treatment, are generally discouraged from having LASIK. Some forms of dry eye syndrome may be related to reversible causes like contact lens overuse and intolerance. In these particular cases, a period of treatment and abstinence from contact lens may allow the patient to regain healthy moisturisation of the cornea. Should the cornea return to good health, the patient is then able to safely undergo LASIK surgery.
In relation to your own situation, it would be best to have a discussion about your concerns with your eye surgeon. I’m sure he will be happy to listen and explain to you what his thoughts are about the potential risks involved in your case. One could also consider alternative forms of laser treatments like Advanced Surface Ablation and ReLEx SMILE which potentially have lower risks of dry eyes compared to LASIK.
Your surgeon would consider all options and advise on the best course of action. I hope this demonstrates an important point that there really is no such thing as one “best” treatment rather it is more appropriate to find the treatment that best suits your eyes. Hope you have a happy outcome from your search for spectacle independence.
