Changes in Tear Osmolarity after Cataract Surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease
• Cataract Surgery

Background:

• Cataract surgery, specifically phacoemulsification with small incisions, can impact the ocular surface.
• Understanding post-operative changes in tear dynamics and ocular surface health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate alterations in the ocular surface and tear osmolarity before and after phacoemulsification.
• To assess the impact of cataract surgery on tear film stability and ocular surface integrity.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 39 patients (55 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery.
• Assessed tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, vital staining (fluorescein and lissamine green), tear osmolarity (Tosm), and corneal sensitivity preoperatively and at 1 and 4 weeks post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Tear break-up time (BUT) and fluorescein staining score (FSS) decreased and increased, respectively, at 1 week, recovering by 4 weeks.
• Tear osmolarity (Tosm) significantly increased at 1 week and remained elevated at 4 weeks post-surgery.
• Corneal sensitivity decreased at 1 week, with recovery by 4 weeks; Schirmer test and lissamine green scores showed no significant changes.

Conclusions:

• Cataract surgery leads to temporary dry eye-related changes, including increased tear osmolarity.
• Elevated tear osmolarity post-surgery shows a tendency for long-term changes compared to other parameters.
• Ocular surface changes like reduced BUT and increased FSS, alongside elevated Tosm, can cause post-cataract surgery discomfort, necessitating attention to patient symptoms.