Lasik eye surgery corrects astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness by reshaping the clear cornea at the front of the eye. The procedure involves cutting a flap of surface corneal tissue, applying a laser to the exposed cornea and replacing the overlying corneal flap. Nerves in the cornea may sustain temporary or permanent damage during the Lasik procedure. The damaged nerves may be unable to sense eye dryness, leading to insufficient tear production and dry eye syndrome, which may be permanent.
Persistent Foreign Body Sensation
Chronic dry eye syndrome associated with Lasik surgery may cause a persistent feeling that something is in the eye, reports the patient information website All About Vision. Medical professionals call this symptom a foreign body sensation. Although the sensation does not threaten vision, the ongoing distraction and eye discomfort may interfere with work, recreational and daily-living activities.
Episodic Blurry Vision
Dry eye may cause episodes of blurry vision, according to the National Eye Institute. The tears keep the cornea and surface of the eye moist. Without sufficient tear production, the corneal tissues begin to dehydrate. The shape of the partially dehydrated cornea changes slightly, causing blurred vision. Patients with dry eye often report restoration of visual clarity with the application of lubricating eyedrops. Dry eye can also cause eye mucus, which may lead to blurry vision if the mucus coats the cornea. Rinsing or wiping the mucus from the eye typically restores usual visual clarity.
Intolerance of Contact Lenses
People who develop dry eye syndrome after Lasik surgery may find they can no longer comfortably wear contact lenses, notes the American Academy of Ophthalmology on the patient information website eyeSmart. Lack of sufficient tear production can cause sticking of the contact to the eye surface, poor vision correction, scratchiness, redness and eye irritation. Lasik-associated dry eye syndrome often improves three to six month after surgery, according to the National Eye Institute. In patients with significant symptomatic improvement, contact lens use may again become an option.
Permanent Visual Impairment
Permanent corneal damage remains a rare complication of severe dry eye syndrome, reports The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. The outermost layer of the cornea may develop holes with persistent, severe dry eye. Corneal ulcers and infections may arise in the damaged areas, resulting in further damage to the eye surface. If left untreated, chronic inflammation may provoke cloudy thickening and scarring of the cornea with an associated loss of vision. Prompt and consistent treatment for dry eye can prevent this rare, vision-threatening complication in nearly all cases.
