Dry Eyes After Cataract Surgery: Is It Normal?

Yes, it's normal to experience dry eyes after cataract surgery. This condition is common because the procedure can temporarily affect tear production or cause tears to evaporate more quickly. 

While this can be uncomfortable leading to symptoms like irritation and blurry vision—it's usually temporary and manageable with simple remedies like artificial tears or warm compresses.

Studies back this up: a 2019 study found that 42% of participants developed dry eye symptoms after surgery, and a 2017 study reported dry eyes in over half of cases. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your eye doctor for additional treatments. 

Read on to learn more about why eyes can become dry after cataract surgery and how to find relief. 

Causes of Dry Eyes After Cataract Surgery

First, let's understand why dry eyes occur after cataract surgery. During the procedure, the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). While this process is highly effective, it can temporarily disrupt the delicate balance of your tear film. 

Here are the most common causes:

1. Surgical Trauma: The incision made during surgery can damage the corneal nerves, which play an essential role in tear production. This nerve damage can reduce lubrication and lead to dryness.

2. Corneal Nerve Damage: The cornea is densely packed with nerves that stimulate tear production. Cataract surgery can temporarily impair these nerves, affecting your eye's ability to produce tears.

3. Light Exposure: The bright lights used during surgery can cause temporary eye irritation and dryness.

4. Inflammation: Post-surgical inflammation is a natural response, but it can damage the tear film and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

5. Medicated Eye Drops: While essential for preventing infection and reducing inflammation, the preservatives in some post-surgery eye drops can irritate the eyes and worsen dryness.

6. Pre-existing Dry Eye Syndrome: The procedure might exacerbate the condition if you already had dry eyes before surgery.

7. Decreased Blinking: During surgery, your eye is held open, which can reduce blinking and lead to dryness.

According to a 2025 study published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, up to 50% of patients experience dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery. The good news? For many patients, blurry vision after cataract surgery is a temporary side effect that improves over time.

Symptoms of Dry Eye After Cataract Surgery

So, what should you be on the lookout for? If you're dealing with dry eye after cataract surgery, you may experience symptoms such as:

• A sandy or gritty feeling in the eye

• Redness or irritation in the eye

• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing

• Increased sensitivity to light

• The sensation of having something stuck in your eye

How Long Do Dry Eyes Last After Surgery?

For most patients, dry eye symptoms peak within the first week after surgery and gradually improve over the next few weeks to months. However, the timeline can vary depending on factors like your overall eye health, age, and whether or not you had dry eyes before the procedure.

If your symptoms last longer than three months, consult your eye doctor. Persistent dry eyes could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. In some cases, patients may still need glasses after cataract surgery, depending on their visual needs and the type of intraocular lens used.

Prevention Tips

While you can't eliminate the risk of dry eye after cataract surgery, there are steps you can take to reduce its severity:

1. Follow your doctor's aftercare instructions: Using prescribed eye drops and avoiding rubbing your eyes can help maintain eye comfort.

2. Avoid dry environments: Stay away from air-conditioned or windy areas that can exacerbate dryness.

3. Use humidifiers: Keeping the air in your home moist can prevent your eyes from becoming too dry.

4. Wear protective glasses: This is especially important if you're outdoors or in dusty environments.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain overall eye health.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet:  A diet rich in healthy fats (like fatty fish and fatty red meat) and avoiding processed foods can cut inflammation and increase oil production in the glands of the eyelids.

These simple precautions may reduce the severity of dry eyes after cataract surgery.

What are Dry Eye Home Remedies?

In addition to the medical treatments your doctor may recommend, there are a few dry eye home remedies that might help alleviate discomfort:

• Warm compresses: Keeping a warm, damp cloth on your eyes can help stimulate tear production.

• Frequent blinking: Blinking more often, specifically when reading or using a computer, can help spread natural tears across the surface of the eyes.

• Artificial tears: There are over-the-counter lubricating eye drops that provide relief from dryness.  Preservative free is best.

• Nutritional supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids in quality fish oil supplements like PRN may improve tear quality and reduce inflammation.

• Sunglasses: Wearing wraparound sunglasses can protect your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.While these remedies may not cure dry eyes entirely, they can undoubtedly help in conjunction with medical treatments. Stress is another factor contributing to dry eyes; managing it effectively may help reduce symptoms.

Treatment for Dry Eyes After Cataract Surgery

If home remedies aren't enough, there are several medical treatments available.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation and improves tear quality.

• LipiFlow: A procedure that applies heat and gentle pressure to clear blocked oil glands in the eyelids.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) can help temporarily increase tear production, though recent studies have proven these therapies to be less effective than originally thought. 

• Punctal Plugs: These small devices are placed in the tear ducts to slow down the drainage of tears.  Unfortunately this backs up stagnant tear film that can add to inflammation and intensify toxic effects of preservatives in prescription medications.  Unless you have Sjogren’s Syndrome, plugs are not recommended.  

At Vision Source Rio, our team is committed to delivering personalized care to help you achieve lasting relief. Light-adjustable lenses are another advanced option for patients seeking customized vision correction after cataract surgery.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While mild dryness is typical, specific symptoms warrant visiting your eye doctor. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain or discomfort

• Vision loss or significant blurriness

• Redness that doesn't improve

• Discharge or swelling

At Vision Source Rio, we offer comprehensive care for individuals experiencing dry eyes after cataract surgery. Our team can provide personalized treatment to ensure you heal properly and get back to enjoying your new, clearer vision.

FAQs

1. How do you get rid of dry eyes after cataract surgery?

Start with preservative-free artificial tears and warm compresses. If symptoms persist, consult your eye doctor for advanced treatments like LipiFlow and IPL.

2. What are the best eye drops for dry eyes after cataract surgery?

Preservative-free artificial tears, like Optase Intense Dry Eye are a great starting point.  Pure and Clean drops can be beneficial as well.  

3. What symptoms are abnormal after cataract surgery?

Severe pain, vision loss, or excessive redness and swelling are abnormal and should be evaluated immediately.

Conclusion

Eye dryness after cataract surgery is a common but usually temporary side effect. While it can be uncomfortable, most patients find relief with simple remedies and treatments. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

At Vision Source Rio, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our team ensures your eyes stay healthy and comfortable, from pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care. If you're struggling with dry eyes or have questions about cataract surgery, schedule an appointment with us today. Your vision is our priority!