Eye Surgery & Dry Eye Sensations
Eye surgery such as cataract surgery has been reported to cause dry eye sensations, mainly due to tear film instability.[1] A recent study concluded that 42% of people experienced dry eye sensations within one week of undergoing cataract surgery.[1]
One study found that the reason some patients experienced dry eye sensations after cataract surgery was due to the tear film lipid layer becoming significantly thinner.[2] The lipid layer is the most anterior layer of the tear film and plays a vital role in tear film function and stability by preventing tears from evaporating.[3] It is when the tears evaporate that patients start to experience dry eye sensations [4] such as:
- Itchy eyes
- Sore eyes
- Gritty sensation
- Red eyes
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
To help with dry eye sensations after cataract surgery, you can use a lubricating eye drop. To find out more about dry eye drops and their benefits, visit www.visufarma.com/uk
References
- Ishrat, S. Nema, N. and Chandravanshi, SCL. Incidence and pattern of dry eye after cataract surgery. Saudi J Ophthalmol. 2019 Jan-Mar; 33(1): 34–40.
- Kim, J.S. et al Assessment of the Tear Film Lipid Layer Thickness after Cataract Surgery. Semin Ophthalmol. 2018;33(2):231-236.
- Isreb, M.A. Correlation of lipid layer thickness measurements with fluorescein tear film break-up time and Schirmer’s test. Eye. 2003; 17: 79-83.
- NHS Dry Eyes, Accessed March 2021
