Analysis of ocular surface and tear film abnormalities post cataract surgery- small incision cataract surgery V/S phacoemulsification

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate ocular surface and tear film abnormalities post cataract surgery- small incision cataract surgery (SICS) versus phacoemulsification. Material and methods: The present randomised control trial was conducted among 100 patients attending OPD diagnosed with cataract who underwent surgery; age group of more than 40 years were included in the study and randomly divided into 2 groups i.e. Group 1 (who underwent manual SICS) and Group 2 (who underwent Phacoemulsification). Postoperatively, the diagnosis of dry eyes was done by conducting tests viz. Ocular surface disease index questionnaire (OSDI), Schirmer’s test-1, Tear Break up time (TBUT) and impression cytology (IC). Results: Post cataract surgery, mean Schirmer’s value reduced more in group 1 as compared to group 2 at 1 week, 1 month and 3 month with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Significant deterioration in OSDI was found in both group 1 as well as group 2 after 1 week, 1 month and 3 months of surgery with statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: Incidence of dry eye was found to be higher in group that underwent small incision cataract surgery or SICS than phacoemulsification due to tear film instability.