Changes in Tear Lipid Layer Thickness after Cataract Surgery in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients

Abstract

Purpose: To compare tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT) and dry eye parameters between non-diabetic and diabetic patients after cataract surgery.Methods: We retrospectively studied patients who underwent cataract surgery. We enrolled 65 eyes of 36 patients with cataracts but not diabetes (group I) and 35 eyes of 23 patients with both cataracts and diabetes (group II). The LLT, partial blink rate, tear break-up time (TBUT), and strip meniscometry tests were performed preoperatively and 1 and 2 months after surgery. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire was completed before and 2 months after surgery by both groups.Results: In group I, the strip meniscometry test value was 3.2 ± 1.4 mm before surgery, 2.3 ± 1.0 mm at 1 month, and 2.5 ± 1.0 mm at 2 months, thus significantly less than before surgery (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The TBUT result was 3.4 ± 1.6 seconds before surgery, 3.0 ± 1.5 seconds at 1 month, and 2.9 ± 1.5 seconds at 2 months, thus significantly less than before surgery (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The OSDI score was 30.8 ± 21.3 before surgery and 20.0 ± 15.8 at 2 months, thus significantly lower than before surgery (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In group II, the TBUT decreased significantly from the preoperative value of 3.6 ± 1.3 seconds to 3.0 ± 1.0 seconds at 1 month and 3.1 ± 1.0 seconds at 2 months (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The OSDI score was 30.0 ± 20.6 before surgery and 19.0 ± 16.0 at 2 months, thus significantly lower than before surgery (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Neither group evidenced any significant difference in the LLT before and after surgery.Conclusions: There was a difference in dry eye parameters in each group before and after cataract surgery, but there was no difference between the two groups.