Clinical Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Phacoemulsification for Dry Eye

ABSTRACT

Background: “Dry eye” is a multifactorial disease of tears and ocular surface that can be result from aqueous deficiency ormay be evaporative in nature. Dry eye affects individuals worldwide. Long-term epidemiological studies have shown that theincidence rates among the population between ages 43 and 86 years at 5 and 10 years of follow-up to be 13.3% and 21.6%,respectively.Aim of the Study The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and severity pattern of dry eye among patients who haveundergone phacoemulsification.Materials and Methods: A total of 152 patients undergoing phacoemulsification for matured cataracts in the Department ofOphthalmology of KMCT Hospital were included in this study. The incidence of dry eye on day 7 after phacoemulsificationwas assessed using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Tear breakup time (TBUT), fluorescein stainingwith Oxford Schema, and Schirmer I test without anesthesia were performed after the questionnaire. The TBUT measures theinterval between the last complete blink and the first appearance of a dry spot or disruption of the tear film.Observations and Results: Among 152 subjects, there were 97 male patients (63.81%) and 55 (36.18%) female patientswith a male to female ratio 1.761. The mean age was 57.13 ± 9.50 years. The eldest patient was aged 78 years. On day 7postoperatively, the mean scores of OSDI questionnaire (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 12.57 vs. 35.10, respectively),TBUT (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 15.85 ± 1.25 s vs. 13.9 ± 0.70 s), Oxford Schema (preoperatively vs. postoperativelywas Grades 1 vs. 2), and Schirmer I without anesthesia (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 22.10 ± 5.44 mm at 5 min[15–35 mm] vs. 7.50 ± 2.20 in 55.30% [6.10–9.05], respectively) showed a trend toward dry eye syndrome during the 1st week.Conclusions: Dry eye symptoms can develop immediately after phacoemulsification and the severity can peak on day 7. Bothsymptoms and signs of dry eye can improve over time. However, it is important that ophthalmologists assess dry eye beforeand after phacoemulsification to ensure proper treatment, quality of vision, and quality of life for their patients