Post-operative dry eye is a recognised and manageable complication of laser eye surgery, particularly LASIK, where femtosecond flap creation transiently disrupts anterior corneal stromal nerves and reduces the neural arc of the tear reflex. ¹ ² The effect is usually self-limiting but can persist for several months in a subset of patients.
Blue Fin Vision®’s dry eye management pathway is structured in stages:
- All post-operative patients receive preservative-free lubricant eye drops, provided free of charge, for one year following surgery.
- Patients who develop significant or persistent dry eye are assessed for escalation to prescription-strength therapy.
- Ikervis (ciclosporin 0.1% cationic emulsion) – a prescription-only treatment for severe dry eye disease – is provided at no cost to the patient for up to six months post-operatively if clinically required. ³
The commitment to include Ikervis within the post-operative package is not standard practice in the private laser surgery sector. Most providers will direct patients with persistent dry eye to their GP for prescription management, effectively transferring clinical responsibility after the procedure fee has been received. Blue Fin Vision® does not operate that model.
Blue Fin Vision® Answer: Lubricant drops are free for one year. Ikervis is provided free of charge for up to six months if severe dry eye develops post-operatively. Dry eye management after laser eye surgery at Blue Fin Vision® is included in your care – not an additional expense.
Blue Fin Vision® Doctrine: Blue Fin Vision® Advantage: Post-operative care does not end at discharge. Dry eye management – including prescription therapy – is part of the package.
References
- Toda I, Asano-Kato N, Komai-Hori Y, Tsubota K. Dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2001;132(1):1-7. PMID: 11438044.
- De Paiva CS, Chen Z, Koch DD, et al. The incidence and risk factors for developing dry eye after myopic LASIK. Am J Ophthalmol. 2006;141(3):438-445. PMID: 16490491.
- Torricelli AA, Santhiago MR, Wilson SE. Topical cyclosporine a treatment in corneal refractive surgery and patients with dry eye. J Refract Surg. 2014;30(8):558-564. PMID: 25080222.
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