Influence of Vitreoretinal Surgery on Ocular Surface Dynamics Using Keratograph 5M

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Vitreoretinal surgery can affect the ocular surface.
• Understanding post-operative ocular surface dynamics is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in ocular surface dynamics for 3 months after vitreoretinal surgery using the Keratograph 5M.
• To compare ocular surface parameters between phacoemulsification, vitrectomy, and combined surgical groups.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-three patients were divided into phacoemulsification, vitrectomy, and combined groups.
• Ocular surface dynamics were measured using Keratograph 5M at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery.
• Key parameters included noninvasive keratograph first tear film breakup time (NifBUT), noninvasive keratograph average tear film breakup time (NiaBUT), and tear meniscus height (TMH).

Main Results:

• All surgical groups showed decreased NifBUT and NiaBUT at 1 week post-surgery.
• Phacoemulsification group's tear film parameters largely recovered, while vitrectomy and combined groups showed persistent instability.
• Tear meniscus height varied, with initial increases in vitrectomy/combined groups followed by decreases at 3 months compared to the phacoemulsification group.

Conclusions:

• Vitreoretinal surgery, particularly vitrectomy and combined procedures, induces significant ocular surface alterations and tear film instability for up to 3 months.
• Patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery experience more severe dry eye symptoms compared to those having only cataract surgery.
• Management of dry eye syndrome is essential for patients following vitreoretinal surgery.