Posters

The effect of tear osmolarity on the refractive outcome of cataract surgery

Poster Details

First Author: G.Kontos UK

Co Author(s):    S. Quah              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate if tear osmolarity can be used as a predictive factor of the outcome of cataract surgery. Osmolarity of a solution refers to the number of osmotically active particles it contains. Hyperosmolarity occurs via increased tear evaporation when the tear turn over is reduced or the barrier function of the lipid layer is disturbed. In turn these changes cause an unstable tear film;causing direct damage on the ocular surface or triggering inflammation. Vision relies on clear media. Due to the difference of refractive index between air and cornea, this interface is responsible for most of the vergence power of the eye. It is possible that an unstable tear film, thus an uneven corneal surface, will have a effect on the accuracy of measurement of corneal radii (refractive power of the cornea) by the IOLMaster.

Setting:

Patients are being recruited from the Ophthalmic Department of Macclesfield District General Hospital.

Methods:

We have previously estimated an average tear osmolarity measure by performing measurements on 40 randomly selected patients. Measurements were made using the TearLab Pen. We are in the process of recruiting 30 patients undergoing cataract surgery and performing a baseline osmolarity measurement prior the operation and comparing the subjective refractive outcome with the predicted post operative refraction. All tear osmolarity recordings and cataract surgery was performed by the same person.

Results:

Pending

Conclusions:

Pending FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE