Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay properly lubricated, or when tears evaporate too quickly. It’s one of the most common conditions we see — and one that plays a significant role in whether LASIK, PRK, or certain lens options are right for you.
Request an AppointmentCommon Symptoms
- A gritty, burning, or sandy sensation in the eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision that improves with blinking
- Watery eyes (a reflex response to dryness)
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can result from reduced tear production, poor tear quality, or a combination of both. Common contributing factors include aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, screen time and reduced blinking, contact lens wear, and underlying conditions affecting the oil-producing glands along the eyelid margin (meibomian gland dysfunction).
Why Dry Eye Matters for Vision Correction
Significant dry eye can make you a less ideal candidate for LASIK, since the procedure can temporarily worsen dryness during healing. This is one of the most common reasons we recommend PRK instead — it tends to be gentler on the ocular surface for patients prone to dryness. Dry eye can also affect the accuracy of measurements taken before cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, so we typically address dry eye symptoms before finalizing surgical planning to ensure the most accurate lens selection.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity, and may include artificial tears or prescription anti-inflammatory drops, warm compresses and lid hygiene to address meibomian gland dysfunction, punctal plugs to help retain natural tears, or in-office treatments for more stubborn cases. Most patients see meaningful improvement with a consistent, personalized treatment plan.
If dryness, grittiness, or fluctuating vision has been bothering you — especially if you’re also considering LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery — contact Louisiana Eye Specialists at to schedule an evaluation.
Request an AppointmentDry Eye FAQs
How do I know if I have dry eye disease?
Common signs include a gritty or burning sensation, redness, light sensitivity, and surprisingly, watery eyes. A comprehensive exam can confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause.
Does dry eye disqualify me from LASIK?
Not necessarily, but significant dry eye often makes PRK a better option, since it’s typically gentler on the ocular surface during healing.
Can dry eye be cured, or just managed?
Most dry eye is a chronic condition that’s well managed with ongoing treatment rather than fully cured, though many patients achieve significant, lasting relief.
Why does my vision fluctuate throughout the day?
Uneven tear film from dry eye can cause temporary blurriness that clears with blinking — a common and treatable symptom.
Should I treat dry eye before cataract surgery?
Yes, ideally. Dry eye can affect the accuracy of pre-surgical measurements, so we typically address it beforehand to help ensure the best lens selection and outcome.
Are artificial tears enough, or do I need prescription treatment?
It depends on severity. Mild cases often respond well to artificial tears, while more persistent dry eye may benefit from prescription drops or in-office treatment.