Why Do Doctors Check for Dry Eyes
Before Cataract Surgery?
The missing piece to a smooth cataract surgery recovery.
Cataract surgery can restore clear vision and improve your quality of life.2,3 But before heading into the operating room, there is one important condition that often goes unnoticed: Dry Eye Disease.
Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to stay moist and protected. It can make your eyes feel gritty, itchy, or blurry. Many cataract patients are unaware they have it, yet untreated dry eyes can affect the accuracy of surgery and slow down recovery.
The Link Between Cataract Surgery and Dry Eyes
Studies show that up to 80 per cent of cataract patients show signs of dry eye, but only a few receive treatment before surgery.3 Ignoring it can:
- Disturb important pre-surgery measurements.
- Increase the risk of complications during the procedure.
- Delay healing and extend recovery time.
Preparing for the Surgery: Your Eyes Need to Be Ready
Healthy eyes are the foundation of successful cataract surgery. This means no inflammation, a stable tear film, and controlled symptoms. Early treatment with preservative-free lubricating drops or medicated drops, as recommended by your doctor, can prepare your eyes and help ensure smoother healing.
If you already have Dry Eye Disease, your doctor may take extra steps to protect your tear film during the procedure. After surgery, studies show that 9 to 32 per cent of patients experience dryness.1 Mild cases often improve within a week, but those with pre-existing dry eyes may need several months to recover fully. Using lubricating or medicated drops can ease discomfort, while follow-up visits help monitor progress.
Cataract surgery can transform your life, but Dry Eye Disease should not be overlooked. By checking and treating it before the procedure, you give your eyes the best chance for a smooth recovery and clearer results.
See the world clearly, but remember that healthy eyes are the missing piece to a truly successful cataract surgery journey.
Reference:
1DOL Video Content.
2Donaldson, K., Parkhurst, G., Saenz, B., & Whitley, W. (2021). Prevention of dry eye syndrome before phacoemulsification of cataract. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, 48(5), 623–629. https://doi.org/10.18008/1816-5095-2024-3-517-526
3Naderi, K., Gormley, J., & O’Brart, D. (2020). Cataract surgery and dry eye disease: A review. European Journal of Ophthalmology, 30(5), 840–855. https://doi.org/10.1177/1120672120929958
Further Reading:
Miura, M., Inomata, T., Nakamura, M., Sung, J., Nagao, T., Midorikawa-Inomata, A., Zhu, J., Fujio, K., Hirosawa, K., Akasaki, Y., Kuwahara, M., Eguchi, A., Shokirova, H., & Murakami, A. (2022). Dry eye after cataract surgery: How common is it and what does it look like? Ophthalmology and Therapy, 11(4), 1309–1332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-022-00513-y
Shtein, R. M. (2011). Post-LASIK dry eye. Expert Review of Ophthalmology, 6(5), 575–582. https://doi.org/10.1586/eop.11.56
Tamimi, A., Sheikhzadeh, F., Ezabadi, S. G., Islampanah, M., & Elahi, E. (2023). Post-LASIK dry eye disease: A comprehensive review of management and current treatment options. Frontiers in Medicine, 10, Article 1057685. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1057685
