Outcomes of phacoemulsification in patients with dry eye

To evaluate the outcomes of phacoemulsification in patients with dry eye.

Department of Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

This study included 25 eyes of 23 patients with dry eye having phacoemulsification. Dry eye was defined as Schirmer I with lidocaine hydrochloride (Xylocaine) score of 5.0 mm after 5 minutes, a tear-film breakup time (TFBUT) of less than 5 seconds, or both. Data were retrospectively analyzed for preoperative and postoperative tear function, postoperative complications, and final visual outcomes.

Of the 23 patients, 18 had age-related dry eye and 5 had secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Twenty-two eyes had predominant aqueous deficiency (Schirmer I with Xylocaine score of 5.0 mm or less), and 3 had a Schirmer score between 6.0 mm and 9.0 mm. The TFBUT was 5 seconds or less in 17 eyes and between 6 seconds and 9 seconds in 8 eyes. The mean preoperative Schirmer score was 4.80 mm +/- 2.01 (SD) (range 2.0 to 9.0 mm) and the mean postoperative score, 3.80 +/- 2.40 mm (range 0 to 7.0 mm). The mean preoperative TFBUT was 4.00 +/- 1.87 seconds (range 0 to 9 seconds) and the mean score at the last follow-up, 3.40 +/- 1.60 seconds (range 0 to 8 seconds). Postoperatively, 8 eyes had superficial punctate keratopathy and 8 had an epithelial defect. The final visual acuity was 6/6 in 13 eyes, 6/9 to 6/12 in 8 eyes, and 6/18 to 6/60 in 4 eyes.

Phacoemulsification was safe and led to minimal complications in patients with age-related dry eye with or without associated systemic disorders.