Dry eyes after laser eye surgery – is this normal?

Dry eyes after laser eye surgery are a possible, albeit usually temporary, occurrence following such a procedure. Modern laser eye procedures are considered extremely gentle: the SMILE® pro treatment (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) has established itself as a popular and extremely gentle option for correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness and astigmatism.

However, one of the most common concerns patients have remains the development of dry eyes after surgery. This article explains whether dry eyes are a normal part of the recovery process after an eye laser treatment such as SMILE® pro. This information can help set realistic expectations and manage symptoms effectively.

Dry eyes after laser eye surgery: the benefits of SMILE® pro

Modern laser eye procedures can significantly reduce the risk of dry eyes after laser surgery. SMILE® Pro is a minimally invasive laser eye procedure. Until now, with a refractive correction such as femto-LASIK, a thin layer of corneal tissue was usually first detached and folded back like a lid (“flap“) so the underlying corneal tissue could be removed.

SMILE® pro leaves the largest possible portion of the cornea’s upper layers intact, preserving corneal stability. SMILE® pro is known for its precision and for being less invasive than LASIK, which in most cases leads to a faster recovery.

Are dry eyes normal after SMILE® Pro laser eye surgery?

It is also common to have slightly drier eyes after a SMILE® Pro treatment. The procedure alters the cornea, which can temporarily affect the nerves responsible for tear production. Most patients notice that eye dryness peaks during the first month after laser eye surgery. After that, the dryness gradually improves as the nerves heal and tear production returns to normal.

How to relieve dry eye symptoms after laser eye surgery

Discomfort from dry eyes after laser eye surgery (e.g., after a SMILE® Pro treatment) can be relieved with simple measures:

• Eye drops: Use lubricating eye drops for immediate relief. Your laser eye centre will provide you with a detailed schedule for using the drops before and after the treatment.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps maintain overall hydration and supports eye health.
• The right environment: Avoid dry, dusty environments. A humidifier can also help relieve symptoms.
• Follow-up: Regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist are important to monitor your recovery and manage any lingering symptoms.

Complete recovery after SMILE® pro

For the majority of patients, dry eyes after laser eye surgery using a method such as SMILE® Pro are only a temporary problem. Most people experience significant improvement within the first three months after surgery. In very rare cases, dry-eye symptoms may persist longer. If this happens, contact your treating surgeon, who can help you further.