Dry eye is a common complication following LASIK, with a prevalence ranging from 0.25% to 48%. It is believed to be caused by damage to the corneal nerves, which occurs during flap creation and stromal ablation, resulting in an interruption of the neural loop responsible for basal tear secretion. In the majority of patients post-LASIK dry eye is a transient phenomenon, resolving without further complication within 1 year. There are a number of risk factors, in particular pre-existing moderate or severe dry eye: these patients should be considered poor candidates for LASIK. Post-LASIK dry eye has been shown to influence negatively patient satisfaction with the procedure.