One of the most common complaints among patients with refractive surgery complications is dry eye. The FDA mentions severe dry eye syndrome as a complication of their site at www.fda.gov/cdrh/Lasik/risks.htm.

Some patients may develop severe dry eye syndrome. As a result of surgery, your eye may not be able to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Dry eye not only causes discomfort, but can reduce visual quality due to intermittent blurring and other visual symptoms. This condition may be permanent. Intensive drop therapy and use of plugs or other procedures may be required."

Resources for dealing with dry eye

There are numerous over-the-counter drops and ointments, nutritional supplements, as well as prescription drugs and drops that are useful in alleviating the symptoms of dry eye. There are also many products that are helpful in providing relief for the acute symptoms of dry eye. However, it is important to determine the cause before it can be treated successfully. While Lasik can induce or exacerbate dry eye, there is no one, simple pathology that that can be pinpointed as the cause, which means that there is no one, simple, one-size-fits-all remedy.

A recently released book, Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome, by Steven Maskin, MD, is an easily understandable volume that explores the many factors that can contribute to dry eye disease, and discusses diagnosis and various treatments, many of which dry eye patients can do on their own. He also presents tips on how to find and work with a dry eye specialist. Dr. Maskin's Web site is www.drmaskin.com. The book may be purchased through amazon.com.

Another excellent source of information about dry eye pathology, treatments and surgeries, www.ocularsurface.com, is the Web site of Scheffer Tseng, MD, PhD, who specializes in treating and researching dry eye disease. Dr. Tseng understands the specific needs and frustrations of post-RS patients.

Patient support, as well as information on over-the-counter treatments and products that can help to alleviate dry eye issues can be found at www.dryeyezone.com. Patients looking for "Dr. Holly's Drops" (Dwelle, Dakrina, NutraTear) can order them through the site.

A presentation on dry eye, by Dr. Frank Holly, of the Dry Eye Institute is available here.