Changes in tear film parameters after manual small incision cataract surgery

Dry eye disease is an ocular surface disorder leading to tear film instability. Causes are multifactorial, cataract surgery being one of its causes. To evaluate changes in the tear film parameters (Schirmer’s I, Schirmer’s II and tear film breakup time) and to find out the factors influencing it following manual small incision cataract surgery.: A prospective observational study was carried out in 185 eyes of 185 patients aged ≥50 years with age related cataract without preoperative dry eye. All the patients were evaluated for the changes in the tear film parameters at prior to the study and post operative day 7, one month and at 3 months. Dry eye was predominantly seen in males (96, 51.89%). Majority of the patients were in the age groups 50-60 years (84, 45.4%). Dry eye was seen in 7% of patients. Majority had mild grade dry eyes (50, 79%). There was decline in the all tear film parameters peaked at seventh day followed by gradual increasing trend over one month till the last follow up. Statistically significant changes was seen in all the tear film parameters between preoperative and post operative visits (p<0.001). Development of dry eye was correlated with older age, diabetes mellitus and duration of microscope light exposure time. Manual small incision cataract surgery can induce decline in tear film values in early post operative period with gradually increasing trend over time. Majority of patients had mild grade dry eyes.