To Assess the Proportion and Severity of Dry Eye Following Clear Cornea Phacoemulsification Surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film. Corneal nerves are important in the self-regulation of a tear since they provide the sensation in the feedback loop that signals tear production. In clear corneal phacoemulsification surgeries, the ocular surface may alter and disrupt normal tear function. We wanted to determine the proportion and severity of dry eye following clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS Total hundred (100) eyes from consecutive hundred (100) patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria (without a pre-operative dry eye) were selected for clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery under peribulbar anaesthesia for age-related cataract (45-70 yrs.). McMonnies questionnaire was used for subjective dry eye testing. For objective dry eye testing Schirmer Test (ST-I), Tear Film Break Up Time (TBUT), Tear Meniscus Height (TMH) and Lissamine Green (LG) done. The parameters were recorded preoperatively and post-operatively. Data was analysed using SPSS Software Version 20. RESULTS 53% operated in the left eye and 47% in the right eye. The proportion of dry eye was assessed at POD 10 and we found 81 subjects had dry eye. The mean and standard deviation of