Prevention
It can be helpful to wet the eye regularly with moisturizing, preservative-free tear substitutes prior to surgery. In addition, tear production can be positively influenced by a balanced diet and also dietary supplements containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (unsaturated essential fatty acids).Another possible intervention is the closure of the tear ducts with so-called Punctum Plugs, which causes the tears formed by the body itself to run off less strongly. In addition, the surface of the eye can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs in eye drop form (e.g. Cyclosporine A 0.05%).
Comparison with alternative surgical methods
LASIK surgery is the most risky of the refractory methods when it comes to developing a tear film disorder or even a chronic pain condition of the cornea as a result of the surgery. In comparison with LASIK, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) seems to cause less tear film disorders and increase osmolarity, because it leads to a faster regeneration of the damaged nerves. However, according to a patient survey, the operated patients in both groups were very satisfied with the surgery, although in both groups about 9% reported dry eyes.
In addition, there is the so-called LASEK surgery, in which the uppermost corneal layer (epithelium) is lifted off so that the laser can be applied below it on the exposed cornea. According to initial findings, this intervention method seems to cause less disturbance of the tear film than LASIK.
