Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Introduction: The tear film is a multilayered structure covering the corneal surface, serving as a crucial interface between the corneal epithelium and the external environment. Composed of water, mucins, electrolytes, proteins, and lipids, it plays an essential role in corneal protection, wound healing, and maintaining visual acuity. Tear film homeostasis is vital, and disturbances in its quality or volume can result in Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), a multifactorial disease characterized by tear hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and neurosensory abnormalities. DES is commonly observed following cataract surgery. This study aimed to evaluate tear film changes and the occurrence of DES in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over two months involving 70 eyes of 70 patients aged 40-80 years undergoing cataract surgery under the Mobile Eye Services of CMC Ludhiana. Preoperative and postoperative tear film parameters were assessed using Schirmer’s Test II (ST II) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks post-surgery.
Results: Preoperatively, the mean ST II was 18.51±6.51 mm, which significantly reduced to 12.81±5.85 mm at 2 weeks (p<0.001), before improving to 15.46±6.21 mm at 4 weeks (p<0.001). OSDI scores increased from a baseline of 9.61±2.01 to 22.13±6.11 at 2 weeks (p<0.001), then decreased to 17.71±4.45 at 4 weeks (p<0.001). Differences were also noted between surgical techniques, with higher and more persistent OSDI scores in the SICS group compared to phacoemulsification (p=0.004). Final 4 week dry eye incidence was 90% in the present study. Out of the total number of dry eye cases, 88.89% were mild dry eyes, 9.52% were moderate and 1.59% were severe dry eyes, respectively. The study highlights the postoperative impact of cataract surgery, particularly SICS, on tear film dynamics and dry eye incidence.