Anyone With Cataracts In Addition to Dry Eye?

I had cataracts removed several years ago followed by a YAG laser treatment. I believe they contributed to my dry eye condition. My eyes are also more light sensitive. Sharon Moore, Patient Leader

I have had dry eyes for about 40 years and was told i have pinhead cataracts about 20 years ago. To my understanding my cataracts haven't increased in size. I also have macular degeneration and have had it for almost 20 years and my eye doctor checks my eyes every 6 months and my vision is stable and at almost 78 years old I can still read, drive, and even do my color pencil art. I eat a diet of no processed food, and I take supplements, I don't take prescription drugs. I have never been hospitalized or had an illness worse than the flu. I live in a forest reserve and hike to forest trails.

Yes, one of my cousins is dealing with both cataracts and dry eye, and they really do make each other more challenging. The dryness can sometimes make the vision fluctuations feel worse, and it also makes cataract surgery prep and recovery a bit trickier.

My doctor recommended being very proactive with dry eye treatment (like artificial tears and warm compresses) before considering cataract surgery, and that’s helped a lot. It definitely seems like managing the dry eye first makes the cataract part less overwhelming.

Yes, it’s actually quite common to have both cataracts and dry eye, since they often develop with age and share some risk factors. Dry eye can make cataract symptoms feel worse, causing extra glare, blurriness, or discomfort, and it’s also important to manage before and after cataract surgery because a healthy tear film helps vision stabilize.

Many people find that using lubricating drops, treating underlying inflammation, and following their doctor’s advice makes a big difference in coping with both conditions together.