Dry eye risk factors after phacoemulsification cataract surgery at a secondary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease is no longer a trivial eye problem ignored by eye care professionals. Aim: The present study was conducted to detect dry eye problem level and evaluate risk factors associated with phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Settings and Design: Study conducted at Ophthalmology Department, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot with longitudinal study design. Materials and Methods: The study included 272 patients undergone for phacoemulsification cataract surgery from May 2010 to April 2011, assessed for tear film status by tear film break up time (TBUT) and Schirmer's test on the pre-operative day, on the 1 st , 7 th and 45 th post-operative day. Statistical Analysis: statistical analysis was performed by using Epi Info software (Centre for Disease Control-CDC, Atlanta) with the use of proportions and z -test Results: On the 45 th post-operative day, 42 (15.4%) patients reported altered TBUT and Schirmer's I test (SIT) value indicating dry eye. Statistically significant difference was observed between TBUT and SIT value on day 1 and 7 when compared with pre-operative value. Maximum change in value was reported in both sexes above 65 years for 1 st and 7 th post-operative day. Similar findings were reported for TBUT value also. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification cataract surgery with higher age and female sex is associated with risk of dry eye. Significant percentage change of TBUT and SIT values reported during 1 st and 7 th post-operative day compare to pre-operative status.