Can I have cataract surgery regardless of my dry eyes​?

Many people who need cataract surgery also have dry eyes.
This leads to a common question:

“Can I have cataract surgery regardless of my dry eyes?”

The short answer is: yes, but dry eyes need care first.

In this blog, we explain:

• What cataracts are
• What dry eye is
• How dry eyes affect cataract surgery
• Why treatment before surgery matters

What you can do next

What is a cataract?

A cataract happens when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy.

This can cause:

• Blurry vision
• Faded colours
• Glare from lights
• Trouble seeing at night

Cataracts are common as we age.
Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye happens when:

• Your eyes do not make enough tears, or
• Your tears dry up too fast

Dry eyes can feel:

• Sore
• Gritty
• Burning
• Watery
• Tired

Dry eye is very common, especially as we get older.

Can you have cataract surgery if you have dry eyes?

Yes, you can still have cataract surgery if you have dry eyes.

But there is something very important to know:

Dry eyes should be treated before cataract surgery.

This helps make surgery safer and results better.

Why do dry eyes matter before cataract surgery?

Dry eyes can affect cataract surgery in several ways.

1. Dry eyes can affect test results

Before surgery, your eye care team takes special measurements.

These measurements help choose:

• The right lens power
• The best type of lens for your eye

Dry eyes can make these tests less accurate.
This may affect vision after surgery.

2. Dry eyes can slow healing

After cataract surgery, eyes need time to heal.

If you have dry eyes:

• Healing may take longer
• Eyes may feel more sore
• Vision may stay blurry for longer

Treating dry eye first helps the eye recover better.

3. Dry eyes can feel worse after surgery

Cataract surgery can temporarily make dry eye symptoms worse.

This may include:

• More dryness
• Burning
• Grittiness
• Watery eyes

If dry eye is treated first, these symptoms are often milder.

Does dry eye mean surgery must be delayed?

Not always, but sometimes.

If dry eye is mild:

• Surgery may still go ahead
• Extra care is taken

If dry eye is moderate or severe:

• Treatment may be needed first
• Surgery may be planned once eyes are healthier

This helps protect your comfort and vision.

How is dry eye checked before cataract surgery?

A Dry Eye Assessment can help find:

• Tear quality
• Tear stability
• Oil gland health
• Eyelid inflammation

This helps your optometrist decide the best plan for you.

How is dry eye treated before cataract surgery?

Treatment depends on your eyes.

It may include:

• Preservative-free eye drops
• Warm compresses
• Eyelid cleaning
• IPL treatment
• Advice for screen use and lifestyle

Many people feel more comfortable within weeks.

Will treating dry eye improve surgery results?

Yes.

Healthy eyes help:

• Improve test accuracy
• Improve comfort
• Improve vision after surgery
• Reduce dry eye flare-ups

This leads to a better overall experience.

Can cataract surgery cure dry eye?

No. Cataract surgery does not cure dry eye.

In some people:

• Dry eye symptoms stay the same
• Symptoms may improve
• Symptoms may get worse for a short time

This is why ongoing dry eye care is important.

What if dry eye is not treated before surgery?

If dry eye is ignored:

• Vision results may be less clear
• Eyes may feel uncomfortable
• Recovery may feel slower
• You may need more treatment after surgery

Treating dry eye early helps avoid these problems.

Should I mention dry eye symptoms before surgery?

Yes. Always tell your eye care team if you have:

• Dryness
• Burning
• Grittiness
• Watery eyes
• Heavy or tired eyes

Even mild symptoms matter.

Can dry eye stop me from having cataract surgery at all?

In most cases, no.

Dry eye rarely stops cataract surgery forever.

It usually means:

• Dry eye care first
• Surgery at the right time

Your eye care team will guide you.

Why choose My Eye Clinic in Gosforth?

At My Eye Clinic, we:

• Look at the whole eye, not just the cataract
• Assess dry eye carefully
• Create clear treatment plans
• Help prepare eyes for surgery

Our goal is comfort, safety, and clear vision.

Take the dry eye suitability self-test

If you have cataracts and dry eyes, help is available.

Take our quick and easy dry eye suitability self-test to see if a dry eye assessment may help prepare your eyes for cataract surgery.