Highlights ·         A complex etiology between clinical symptoms and patient-reported symptomatology makes dry eye disease (DED) diagnosis difficult.1 ·         In people with ocular symptoms, with or without signs of DED, prevalence of DED is estimated to be between 5 and 60%.1 ·         This article will discuss the need for careful evaluation and screening for symptoms of DED preceding ocular surgery and its outcomes, as the pre-existing DED might worsen postoperative dry eye symptoms and lower patient satisfaction.1,2