Yes! — And Here’s What You Need to Know.

If you’ve been told you have dry eyes, you might assume vision correction surgery is off the table. But the truth is, yes — you can have vision correction with dry eyes, and modern EuroEyes technology is making it safer and more effective than ever.

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common conditions eye surgeons see — especially in people who already wear contact lenses or spend long hours on digital devices. And while it used to be a reason to delay or avoid laser eye surgery, today’s advanced diagnostic tools and tailored treatments allow specialists to safely treat many patients with dry eyes.

The key? Understanding the cause and severity of your dry eyes — and choosing the right procedure for your unique eye health.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• Why dry eyes matter when considering laser or lens-based correction
• The different types of vision correction available for dry eye patients
• How clinics prepare your eyes before surgery
• What to expect during recovery
• And when it might not be the right time to proceed.

Why Dry Eyes Matter in Vision Correction

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to symptoms like:

• Grittiness
• Burning or stinging
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue

These symptoms can become more noticeable after vision correction surgery if not addressed properly. That’s because procedures like LASIK or PRK involve the cornea — and your tear film plays a vital role in both protecting the eye and supporting healing. If your eyes are already dry, they may struggle to heal efficiently, and vision outcomes could be temporarily affected.

But here’s the good news: having dry eyes doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The key is careful screening and personalised treatment before moving forward.

Treating Dry Eyes Before Surgery

Most leading clinics won’t perform laser surgery on dry eyes that are inflamed or unstable — but they will help treat the condition first. This preparation phase is a powerful part of modern vision correction planning.

Common pre-surgery treatments include:

• (preservative-free artificial tears)
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce irritation
• Omega-3 supplements to improve oil layer of tears
• Punctal plugs to retain moisture by blocking tear drainage
• Lid hygiene routines to reduce meibomian gland dysfunction
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy for more severe dry eye cases

With the right care plan, most patients see an improvement in symptoms within weeks — making them suitable for laser or lens-based procedures shortly after.

Best Vision Correction Options for Dry Eye Patients

Not all vision correction procedures affect the eye in the same way. If you have dry eyes, your surgeon may recommend one of the following options:

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

SMILE is a minimally invasive laser procedure that uses a tiny incision, which leaves more of the corneal nerves intact compared to LASIK. This results in a lower chance of post-operative dry eye symptoms and is often ideal for people prone to dryness.

Lens Replacement Surgery (RLE) – include ICL instead

For older patients or those with presbyopia or early signs of cataracts, lens replacement surgery might be a better option. It doesn’t affect the cornea directly, meaning dry eye symptoms are less likely to worsen.

When Might You Need to Wait?

There are cases when dry eyes need to be stabilised before proceeding. You might be asked to delay surgery if:

• Your tear film is highly unstable
• There are signs of active inflammation or corneal damage
• You’re currently using contact lenses that are irritating your eyes
• Your dry eye is related to a systemic condition that needs managing (e.g., autoimmune disorders).

But don’t worry — this doesn’t mean no. It just means not yet. Many patients return weeks or months later with much healthier eyes and go on to achieve outstanding results.

Do You Have Options — And Support?

Dry eyes are common — and they don’t have to stand in the way of life-changing vision correction. With proper assessment, expert care, and a personalised approach, many people with dry eyes go on to achieve excellent surgical outcomes.

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate in the past — or if you’re unsure whether dry eyes will affect your options — book a consultation with a EuroEyes specialist who understands both conditions. The technology has evolved, and so has the approach.

Clear, comfortable vision could still be within reach.