Pre- and Post-Operative Tear Film Assessment in Patients with Age-Related Cataract Undergoing Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS)

Abstract

One of the major causes of reversible blindness is age-related cataract in the world. Despite the high level of procedure Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) due to its safety and economic efficiency, any postoperative changes in the ocular surface can affect the stability of tears films and patient satisfaction. Measurement of the tear film dynamics after SICS is significant to maximize the surgical outcomes.

Aim:

The purpose was to evaluate and compare the pre and post-operative tear film parameters in the age related cataract patient undergoing SICS.

Methods:

This is a prospective observational study that contained 30 patients (60 eyes) [?]50 years old with uncomplicated SICS. The parameters of tear films analyzed included Non-Invasive Tear Break-Up Time (NITBUT), Schirmer test (without anesthesia), and Tear Meniscus Height (TMH). Assessment was done pre-operative, 2 weeks and 1 month after surgery. Paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA were used to conduct statistical analysis and p<0.05 was taken to be significant.

Results:

Two weeks after surgery, there were observed minor transient changes in the parameters of the tear film. One month later, NITBUT and Schirmer tests values had statistically significant improvements of the test values at baseline (p<0.05). TMH showed negligible changes that were not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). In general, the stability of the tear film, as well as aqueous production, was enhanced in the course of the afteroperative recovery period.

Conclusion:

SICS is related to reversible changes in tear film which are mild. Perioperative tear film evaluation can be used on a regular basis to augment after surgery care and increase patient ease and satisfaction.