The pathophysiology of post LASIK dry eye is not clear; however, many mechanisms have been suggested including inflammation, loss of conjunctival goblet cells during suction, exacerbation of a preexisting dry eye, abnormal interaction between the lid margins and the ocular surface. Intact corneal sensation is crucial for proper tear production and distribution on the ocular surface as well as maintaining the normal dynamics of eyelid blinking. Disruption of corneal nerves in LASIK decreases the release of neurotrophic factors necessary for the normal function of the corneal epithelium as well as the integrity of the lacrimal functional unit, a condition referred to as LASIK induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy (LINE) that largely contributes to the development of post- LASIK dry eye .~Many studies evaluated the incidence of post-refractive dry eye after LASIK compared to flapless laser vision correction (LVC) procedures such as PRK and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). The aim of this study is to assess and compare different dry eye parameters following LASIK with planned thin flaps created by femtosecond laser (FS) and mechanical microkeratome (MK).
Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery continues to be the most common refractive procedure used to correct different forms of ametropia. Although the introduction of femtosecond technology has markedly reduced the incidence of intraoperative flap complications and allowed a better control on flap parameters, dry eye remains one of the most challenging postoperative complications.