Gut Instinct
Does stomach surgery raise the risk of dry eye disease? A Korean study offers new clues
By
The Ophthalmologist
January 6, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Gut Instinct
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Dry Eye Disease (DED) Key Mechanisms Gut dysbiosis, nutrient absorption, immune signaling Target Population Patients undergoing gastrectomy, particularly those aged 60+, males, urban residents, and lower-income groups Care Setting Ophthalmology and gastrointestinal surgery
Key Highlights
Gastrectomy significantly increases the risk of developing dry eye disease. Total gastrectomy has a higher adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.40 compared to 1.09 for gastrectomy. Colectomy does not show an increased risk of dry eye disease. Nutritional assessment may be necessary for post-gastrectomy patients with ocular symptoms. The study emphasizes the connection between gastrointestinal health and ocular surface integrity. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Monitor post-gastrectomy patients for early signs of dry eye disease. Management
Consider nutritional assessments focusing on vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Monitoring & Follow-up
Increased surveillance for ocular surface symptoms in patients post-total gastrectomy. Risks
Higher risk of dry eye disease associated with gastrectomy, particularly total gastrectomy. Patient & Prescribing Data
Post-gastrectomy patients
Nutritional deficiencies may contribute to ocular surface symptoms.
Clinical Best Practices
Collaborate between ophthalmology and gastrointestinal surgery for comprehensive patient care. Assess systemic inflammatory burden in patients with complex histories. References
