What is the percentage of people who get permanent dry eyes due to LASIK?

Suitability for Lasik / Refractive Surgery is a common concern of patients with dry eyes. It is well established that post-Lasik, patients experience longer periods of reduced cornea sensitivity and symptomatic dry eyes. This is thought to be related to the cornea nerves being severed at the nasal and temporal limbus during creation of the flap. However dry eyes per se doesn’t automatically disqualify you from having Lasik performed. This is because most patients with symptomatic dry eyes can be optimised before surgery so that they may get better results after surgery.

Punctal plugs are very effective for treating dry eyes, whether or not the problem is associated with LASIK. However, it is important to note that punctal plugs work by keeping whatever moisture is already on the eye (whether naturally produced or from eyedrops) around for a longer time, instead of allowing them to drain away into the nose. Therefore, it does not help the dryness that some people get while sleeping-and which they may experience on waking in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning.