Dry eye

Abstract

Dry eye is the most common early and late postoperative complication after LASIK surgery. LASIK-induced dry eye is caused by a combination of decreased corneal innervation and chronic ocular inflammation. LASIK-induced dry eye is manifested clinically by the presence of fluctuation of visual acuity and punctate epithelial erosions but minimally decreased average tear production. LINE is the preferred term to describe this condition when it occurs after LASIK or LASIK enhancements in an eye with no symptoms or signs of dry eye prior to surgery. Some eyes likely have both LINE and underlying inflammatory dry eye disease. Optimization of the ocular surface is an important step to improving patient satisfaction after LASIK surgery.