Ocular Surface Alterations Related to Cataract Surgery

Background: Dry eye syndrome is a multifactorial disease of pre-corneal tear film that results  in  ocular  discomfort,  visual  disturbance  and  tear  film  instability,  with  potential damage to the ocular surface. The aim of the work was to evaluate the ocular surface alterations related to cataract surgery either phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction surgeries. Methods: This prospective observational study included 60 patients with cataract. Patients were divided into 2 equal groups: Group1 included patients who had scheduled for phacoemulsification. Group 2 included patients who had scheduled for extracapsular cataract extraction surgery. All patients were subjected to full history taking, complete ophthalmic evaluation, OSDI score test, Schirmer tests, invasive break up time tests (IBUT), and non- invasive break up time tests (NIBUT). Results:  Postoperative  BCVA  test  in  both  groups  was  significantly  better  compared  to preoperative tests after 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months while postoperative Schirmer test, IBUTT  test,  non  IBUTT  test,  and  OSDI  test  were  significantly  worse  compared  to preoperative in both groups after 1 week, 1month and 3 months (P value = 0.05). Conclusions: Patients who had scheduled for phacoemulsification showed a significantly better BCVA test, OSDI test, Schirmer test, IBUTT test, and non IBUTT test after 1 week, 1month and 3 months compared to extracapsular cataract extraction group.