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Dry Eyes in Women Can Interfere with LASIK Results? Here’s the Explanation

Is Dry Eye a Risk for LASIK or SMILE Pro?

Women are more likely to experience dry eyes, especially after giving birth or during breastfeeding.
But is this condition a risk if you’re planning to undergo LASIK or SMILE Pro? Let’s hear what the eye experts have to say.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a medical condition where your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the quality of your tears isn’t sufficient to keep the surface of the eyes properly lubricated and healthy.

Common symptoms include:

  • Discomfort

  • Burning or stinging sensation

  • Itchiness

  • A gritty or sandy feeling

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Blurred vision

  • Redness

Dry eye is more than just uncomfortable — it can also impact your eligibility and outcomes for vision correction procedures like LASIK or SMILE Pro.

Why Are Women More Prone to Dry Eyes?

Women often go through hormonal changes that can affect tear production and stability. These changes occur during:

  • Menstruation

  • Pregnancy

  • Breastfeeding

  • Perimenopause or menopause

  • Use of hormonal contraceptives

These fluctuations can disrupt the balance needed to maintain healthy tear film, leading to dry eye symptoms.

Can Dry Eyes Affect LASIK or SMILE Pro?

Yes, they can.
But don’t worry — having dry eyes doesn’t automatically mean you can’t have LASIK.

If dry eye is present, it may:

  • Slow down the healing process

  • Make your eyes feel more sensitive post-procedure

  • Affect the accuracy or stability of your vision correction results

That’s why a thorough eye exam is essential before the procedure, including tests to check your tear production and eye surface health.

What Happens If Dry Eyes Are Detected Before Surgery?

The good news is that dry eye can be treated beforehand using various methods, such as:

1. Eye Spa Therapy
Improves moisture on the eye surface and unclogs oil glands in the eyelids to help stabilize the tear film.

2. Prescribed Eye Drops
Formulated to treat dry eyes and often used before and after LASIK or SMILE Pro to reduce irritation and support healing.

3. Simple Lifestyle Adjustments
Examples include:

  • Avoiding prolonged exposure to air-conditioned rooms

  • Reducing screen time

  • Drinking enough water throughout the day

At Mayapada Eye Centre, you’ll receive comprehensive pre-operative care to ensure your eyes are in the best possible condition before undergoing LASIK or SMILE Pro.

Real Case: Kevin Lilliana and Dry Eyes

Kevin Lilliana, former Puteri Indonesia and Miss International 2017, experienced dry eye symptoms after breastfeeding.

Before undergoing SMILE Pro, she completed Eye Spa Therapy to prepare her eyes.

The result? She now enjoys clear vision without glasses and continues her active life as a mother and public figure in comfort.

Do You Need Therapy Before LASIK?

Check for these signs:

  • You frequently use over-the-counter eye drops

  • Your eyes get tired quickly while using screens

  • You often experience red eyes, especially in the morning or evening

  • Wearing contact lenses is becoming increasingly uncomfortable

If you said “yes” to any of these, it’s best to schedule a pre-LASIK screening soon.

Conclusion: Dry Eye Isn’t a Barrier — If Managed Properly

For women with dry eye symptoms, LASIK and SMILE Pro can still be safe and effective options — as long as proper evaluation and treatment are done first.

Mayapada Eye Centre offers the right technology, therapies, and expert care to help you achieve your best possible vision.

Reviewed by:
Dr. Helda Puspitasari, Sp.M, FICS

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