Laser refractive surgery occupies the top positions in the ranking of ophthalmologic operations that are performed most frequently. This data is due to the high demand for this surgery and the good results it offers. Eliminating all or part of the glasses is perceived as something important in our society, both in young people and adults with tired or presbyopic vision.
It is true that technological advances allow that in most cases it can be carried out refractive surgery with laser, and with very good results. But, it is also true that it is a surgery that involves trauma to the eyes, the cornea, the external structure of the eye, where light enters inward so we can see.
Laser refractive surgery, in all its modalities (Lasik, FemtoLASIKLasek PRK and Smile), induces changes in the curvature of the eye and section the nerves inside the cornea. In most cases there is an alteration in the tear film, of varying degree, which makes it more unstable and, together with the neurotrophic factor that involves the corneal nerve section, produces a situation of Dry Eye. Generally this situation is reversible and after a few months the discomfort disappears, caused by the sensation of sand, burning, tearing and even blurred vision, although they do not always appear that way.
Refractive surgery and dry eye: Diagnosis and subsequent treatment
Every time we see more patients with symptoms of Dry Eye, especially in cases where there was already a certain alteration of the tear film. The problem is that many people have tear disorders and do not know it, because in most cases it still does not cause significant discomfort and has not led them to see an ophthalmologist. We currently know that more than 60% of cases with problems after refractive surgery are due to alterations in the tear film and it is calculated that in most of these cases it could be avoided if it had been correctly diagnosed and the therapeutic measures had been taken. timely.
This fact is especially important because today we have sufficient mechanisms to diagnose the state of the tear and, above all, because we have new methods of treatment to solve this situation. With the systems "Pulsed light", Specially designed for ophthalmological use, such as Thermaeye, we can improve the tear film in all patients who are involved in refractive surgery, minimizing the risk of dry eye problems after surgery.
Personalized refractive surgery with guarantees
En Área Oftalmologica Advanced, we perform the treatment by Thermaeye in the majority of our patients who will undergo refractive surgery and we have seen that they have an altered tear. Although we always customize treatments, in most cases we perform a session before and two sessions of Thermaeye after refractive surgery. This type of treatment lasts two minutes for each eye, is painless, is performed in the consultation and has no side effects.
Since we have combined the treatment with Thermaeye and refractive surgery, we have managed to exponentially increase the degree of satisfaction of the operated patients, both in visual quality and quality of life. That is why we think that the study and treatment of the tear film is fundamental in all cases that refractive surgery is going to be performed.
