A clinical study to evaluate incidence of dry eye following cataract surgery

Introduction: Post cataract surgery dry eye in the susceptible population can adversely impact visual outcome and overall patient comfort. There are varying reports on the incidence of post cataract surgery dry eye depending on patient population and surgical technique. This study has evaluated the incidence and factors causing dry eye following phacoemulsification, small incisional cataract surgery (SICS) and conventional extracapsular cataract surgery (ECCE). Materials and Methods: Patients with cataract in the age group of 40 to 80 years with normal ocular surface and schirmers test at baseline were followed up after cataract surgery with schirmers recording at 1 month and 3 months. Pre and post- surgery schirmers values were compared for estimation of dry eyes. Results: A total 390 patients underwent cataract surgery with an overall post surgery residual dry eye incidence of 22.1% (95% CI 17.94 to 26.17) at the end of 3 months follow up. Of these 31% had mild, 67% had moderate and 2% had severe dry eye. A higher incidence was seen in SICS as compared to phacoemulsification. A statistically significant association was noted between dry eye and diminution of vision (p = 0.001).