Ocular Surface Changes after Phacoemulsification

Abstract

Background: Dry eye is a risk factor for cataract surgery with phacoemulsification.

Objective: To evaluate the ocular surface changes after phacoemulsification surgery.

Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study that included 50 patients; conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology,  Menoufia University Hospital, and Tiba Ophthalmic Center during the study period from June 2023 to February 2024.

Results: There was a  significant difference between pre-and postoperative regarding Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Tear Breakup Time (TBUT)  (P<0.001), and there was no significant difference between pre-and postoperative regarding the Schirmer test (P=0.065). Also, the mean  change of OSDI, Schirmer test, and TBUT was (- 6.52±1.89, 1.10±2.15, and 3.12±2.51), respectively, with significant differences among pre-  and postoperative (P<0.05). Additionally, there was no significant relation between age categories and preoperative levels of OSDI, Schirmer test, and TBUT (P>0.05). Moreover, there was no significant relation between age categories and postoperative levels of OSDI,  Schirmer test, and TBUT (P>0.05). There was no significant relation between age categories and median values of preoperative scores of  OSDI, Schirmer test, and TBUT and postoperative scores of OSDI, Schirmer test, and TBUT (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Phacoemulsification  cataract surgery relates to the risk of dry eye. There was a significant change in the ocular surface postoperatively compared to  preoperative status in patients who underwent phacoemulsification. Also, a statistical difference between pre-and postoperative  regarding TBUT and OSDI was proven.