Prevention and treatment of transient dry eye following excimer laser surgery

To compare dry eye symptoms after LASIK with mechanical keratome-created flaps and femtosecond laser keratome-created flaps as well as to analyze the efficacy of Systane® Ultra Monodose used to prevent and to treat transient dry eye after excimer laser surgery. Methods: 98 patients (194 eyes) with myopia and compound myopic astigmatism who underwent excimer laser surgery were included in the study. In group 1 patients with pre-op dry eye, femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK was performed, Systane® Ultra Monodose was prescribed postoperatively. In group 2 patients with pre-op dry eye, LASIK was performed using mechanical microkeratome, Systane® Ultra Monodose was prescribed postoperatively. In group 3 patients without pre-op dry eye, LASIK was performed using mechanical microkeratome, standard anti-inflammatory therapy without any lubricant eye drops was prescribed. Patients were followed up for 60 days. Results: It was demonstrated that excimer laser surgery provokes transient dry eye in all patients, therefore, artificial tears are required for 2 months and more after the surgery. Post-operative lubricant eye drops use improves tear film stability, tear production, tear osmolarity, and objective signs of dry eye. Femtosecond laser decreases clinical and functional symptoms of transient dry eye as compared with mechanical microkeratome and provides more rapid visual recovery. Conclusion: Systane® Ultra Monodose has both high efficiency and good tolerability. It can be recommended for the prevention and treatment of dry eye following excimer laser surgery.

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