Will Laser Eye Surgery Make Dry Eye Worse or Can It Improve It?

Will Laser Eye Surgery Make Dry Eye Worse or Can It Improve It?

Dry eye is one of the most common concerns people have when considering laser eye surgery — and for good reason. Many patients already experience dryness from contact lens use or screen time and worry that surgery could make it worse.

The honest answer is: laser eye surgery can temporarily worsen dry eye but in the long term, many patients actually experience improvement.

Here's why.

Why Dry Eye Is Discussed Before Surgery

Dry eye isn't just about comfort — it also affects vision quality and healing. That's why it's carefully assessed before any laser procedure.

At your screening, we look at:

• Tear quality and quantity

• Eyelid and gland function

• Corneal surface health

• Contact lens history

Identifying dry eye early helps us choose the safest procedure and prepare your eyes properly.

Why Dry Eye Can Feel Worse Initially

After laser eye surgery, especially LASIK, some of the corneal nerves involved in tear production are temporarily disrupted. This can reduce natural tear signalling during the early healing phase.

As a result, you may notice:

• Dryness

• Grittiness

• Burning

• Fluctuating vision

This is temporary and most noticeable in the first few weeks.

Does the Type of Surgery Matter?

Yes. The type of procedure we choose does have an effect on how the tear film is disrupted. 

• LASIK: Most likely to cause short-term dryness due to the corneal flap

• SMILE: Generally, causes less dry eye, as fewer nerves are affected

• PRK: Dryness can occur but often improves steadily as the surface heals

Your ophthalmologist will recommend the best option based on your eye surface health.

Can Laser Eye Surgery Improve Dry Eye Long-Term?

For many patients, yes.

Once healing is complete:

• Contact lenses are no longer needed

• Chronic lens-related irritation resolves

• Tear film stability often improves significantly

Patients who previously struggled with contact lens dryness and intolerance often report more comfortable eyes months after surgery than before.

How Is Dry Eye Managed Before and After Surgery?

Dry eye is not ignored — it's actively treated.

Management may include:

• Lubricating eye drops

• Omega-3 supplementation

• Lid hygiene routines

• Prescription anti-inflammatory drops if needed

Optimising the tear film before surgery improves comfort, healing, and visual outcomes.

When Should Dry Eye Be a Concern?

Persistent dry eye after surgery is uncommon. However, you should contact your eye care team if dryness:

• Is worsening rather than improving

• Causes ongoing blurred vision

• Doesn't respond to drops

Follow-up visits ensure any issues are addressed early.

Bottom Line

Laser eye surgery may cause temporary dry eye symptoms, particularly in the early weeks but for many patients, overall comfort improves in the long term, especially once contact lenses are no longer part of daily life.

Careful screening, the right procedure choice, and proper aftercare make all the difference.

Here at Atlantic eye centre we ensure to treat dry eye conditions proactively and give you exactly what you need for good pre surgery preparation and smooth post surgery recovery. 

Not Sure If You're a Good Candidate?

Take th first step now by starting with our online self test! 

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