Here in Miami and probably elsewhere, about half of my patients having cataract surgery also have dry eyes or eye allergies or various types of inflammation of the eyelids.  It is amazing to me how this problem can reduce the good results of well done cataract surgery (LASIK surgery as well).  In many cases the condition is only slightly bothersome prior to surgery, however, when you have cataract surgery with one of these ocular surface diseases present, there appears to be a surprising diminusion of the visual outcome.  If you have chosen to make a significant “lifestyle enhancement” with a multifocal lens insertion at the time of cataract surgery you want to maximize the result and achieve the ultimate potential of this new technology. 

During the preoperative examination at Miami Eye Center, we look at the tear film using new technology and are able to determine if you have a deficiency in the water component of the tear film or if your tears are evaporating too fast.  When found, patients are treated with artificial tears preoperatively and the surgery itself is performed in a way which protects the surface of the cornea.  If we find an inflammatory problem causing a tear film deficiency we treat that with a course of cortisone eye drops before the surgery.  We might also use Restasis to decrease inflammation. In cases of eyelid inflammation a round of oral antibiotics as well as antibiotic eyedrops over a period of several weeks can improve the tear film.

The take home message here is that there are subtle issues which can impact the outcome of your eye surgery that are beyond just having a good procedure and your surgeon needs to evaluate these factors and discuss them with you.