Cataract Surgery, Dry Eye & Astigmatism

Question: I had cataract surgery and astigmatism repair and now my eyes are very dry most of the time. I often suffer from a dry burning eye and a pain in my ear running down the side of my throat. Is there anything that I can do to prevent this problem? 

Answer: Cataract Surgery can certainly result in dry eye symptoms as a result of the tiny incision that is used which temporarily severs the corneal nerves as well as the general disruption of the ocular surface during surgery. This is especially the case is there was some degree of preexisting dry eye or eyelid inflammation. Further, when you state that you had “astigmatism repair” it is not clear whether you had Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) or an astigmatism correcting toric lens implant. If indeed you had an LRI then it is possible that this too could be contribution to the dry eye symptoms. However, it is also entirely possible that there are many other causes of you dry eye problem including medications that you take as well as many others. Certainly all of this should be thoroughly investigated by your Cataract Surgeon and if you are not satisfied then you should perhaps seek a consultation for a second opinion with a Corneal Specialist who is also an expert in external ocular disease and ocular surface problems in order to get help for dry eyes. 

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.