Comparative Evaluation of Tear Film Parameters Following Cataract Surgery in Diabetic Patients.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the propensity of manual small incision and phacoemulsification cataract surgery in causing tear film dysfunction and dry eye syndrome in diabetic patients. Methods: Diabetic patients in group A underwent manual small Incision Cataract surgery whereas in group B underwent phacoemulsification with similar post-operative regimes. The primary outcome measures were the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), a Subjective questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures were the Subjective Dry Eye (DE) questionnaire, Corneal Fluorescein staining, Tear meniscus height, Schirmer’s II test, and Tear film break-up time. All parameters were measured pre and then postoperatively. Result: 126 patients were divided into group A (undergoing small incision cataract surgery) and group B (undergoing phacoemulsification). The OSDI and subjective DE scores continued to be worse for Group A until the first month after which they became similar to group B with no statistically significant difference (p-value of 0.726 and 0.347 respectively). The OSDI and subjective DES at 3 months were better in both groups as compared to baseline (p <0.0001). The objective tear film parameters (Schirmer’s, TBUT, TMH, and fluorescein staining scores) showed statistically significant changes from the baseline in both groups but the scores remained in the normal range clinically. Schirmer’s test scores were different between the two groups at three months (p=0.007) in SICS group being higher. Conclusion: Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) causes subjective dry eye symptoms more than phacoemulsification until 1 month of surgery in diabetic patients after which the subjective symptoms become similar to phacoemulsification at 3 months.