Dry Eye After LASIK Linked to Low Tear Production
BOSTON, March 2008
People who don't produce enough tears could be poor candidates for LASIK eye surgery, according to Schepens Eye Research Institute scientists.
Researchers identified specific low levels of tear production that could be linked to dry eye problems following LASIK. As part of the Schirmer eye test for dry eye, scientists found tear production was inadequate for LASIK at levels of less than 20 mm of moisture produced on a paper test strip during a five-minute period.
Scientists said this lower tear production level could be used as criteria for identifying people who need treatment for dry eye in advance of LASIK. In some cases of low tear production, individuals may be eliminated altogether as candidates.
Study results were published in the January issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science.