Effectiveness of preformed physical factors in the correction of dry eye syndrome after phacoemulsification: a randomized trial

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, modern high-tech methods of small incision cataract surgery are not always immune to the development of iatrogenic «dry eye» syndrome. Currently, one of the common complications of the anterior segment of the eye after small incision cataract surgery is the development of iatrogenic dry eye syndrome, which leads to a decrease in the quality of medical and social rehabilitation of operated patients. Aim. Development and evaluation of the effectiveness of the complex use of preformed physical factors in the correction of «dry eye» syndrome in patients after phacoemulsification of cataract. Materials and methods. The open randomized controlled clinical trial involved 90 patients (90 eyes) aged from 58 to 75 years, who were diagnosed with «dry eye» syndrome (DES) on the 1st day after phacoemulsification (PE) of cataract. Patients, depending on the treatment, were divided into three groups of 30 people (30 eyes).In the control group, patients received standard tear replacement therapy (RT) with Stillavit 4 times a day for 7 days,in the comparison group — in addition to ST 7 procedures of low-frequency magnetic therapy in the orbital area and in the main group — TRT was expanded by the complex application of low-frequency magnetic therapy to the orbital area and medicinal electrophoresis (EP) of the Taufon using the orbital-occipital technique for 7 daily procedures performed daily. Evaluation of parameters of ocular xerosis included: tear film rupture time, total tear production, and ocular surface disease index according to the OSDI questionnaire. The duration of the study was 6 months. Results and discussion. Complete regression of the xerotic process was observed immediately after treatment in 76,7 % (23) of patients in the main group, in 40 % (12) patients in the comparison group and 20 % (6) of patients in the control group. After 6 months after surgery — in 96.7 % (29) of patients in the main group, in 83,3 % (25) of patients in the comparison group and 70 % (21) of patients in the control group. Conclusion. The developed comprehensive program for the treatment of postoperative «dry eye» syndrome, which includes low-frequency magnetic therapy and medicinal electrophoresis Taufon against the background of tear replacement therapy, helps to significantly improve the clinical outcome of treatment, reduce the recovery time of the ocular surface and improve the quality of life of patients.