Cross sectional study to evaluate the prevalence of changes in tear film and tear secretion after small incisional cataract surgery

Aims and Objectives: To clinically evaluate the prevalence of dry eyes after manual small incision cataract surgery based on signs and symptoms and, quantifying them using various test methods. Materials and Methods: Follow up of 150 patients who had undergone SICS was done at regular interval starting at 1st week post-operative and continued up to 3rd months. Evaluation is done by performing Schirmer's test – I, TFBUT, Rose Bengal test followed by noting the symptoms which were relevant to the dry eyes. The observations were analyzed and graded according to the severity of dryness. Results: Most of the patients had mild to moderate dry eye with male domination the female. Severe to very severe dry eyes was seen at 6th post-operative week, mild to moderate dryness of eyes was seen at 2nd & 3rd. weeks. Conclusion: Dryness of eyes is usually seen after small incision cataract surgery and majority being mild to moderate dryness of eyes. Worsening or aggravation of dryness occurred in 6th week's post-operative interval. Post-operative management of cataract surgery should also include medication to deal with altered ocular surface tears film.