Posters

Incidence and clinical aspects of dry eye after phacoemulsification

Poster Details

First Author: M.Elbelhadji MOROCCO

Co Author(s): A. Khachane   A. Siati   M. Essakhi   A. Mchachi   R. Rachid   L. Benhmidoune     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

According the society of tear film and ocular surface TFOS DEWS II, dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface that is characterized by a troubled tear film homeostasis associated to various ocular symptoms. Cataract surgery represents a risk factor of tear film alteration and dry eye. The aim of our study is to estimate the incidence of dry eye syndrome after phacoemulsification treatment, and to evaluate the gravity of this condition.

Setting:

Adult Ophthalmology department, Ibn Rochd University Hospital , Faculty of medicine and pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca

Methods:

We conducted a prospective study from January 2019 until March 2019. It included candidates for cataract surgery aged older than 55 years. All patients were examined preoperatively, with a corrected VA and ocular tone measure, slit lamp, ocular fundus and ocular surface study. The severity of ocular surface symptoms was evaluated with OSDI scoring system. Patients with history of systemic disease, diabetes, glaucoma or severe ocular symptoms (OSDI > 32) were excluded. Each surgery used phacoemulsification and IOL in bag. All patients were prescribed non-preserved sodium hyaluronate artificial tears and anti-inflammatory eye drops.

Results:

Forty eight patients were included in our study. We observed a significant improvement of VA 3 months after surgery. A mild dry eye syndrome was observed in 8 patients (16,5%) preoperatively. The OSDI score worsened in 51% of patients at 1 week and 31% at 1 month, with moderate to severe symptoms. After 3 months, 10,5% of patients under topical treatment presented a moderate OSDI . Schirmer’s test and OSS test didn’t conclude to a significant difference in preoperative and postoperative examinations. We noted a transitory tear film instability one month after surgery in 41,5% of patients.

Conclusions:

Dry eye syndrome is frequent after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Despite the increase of visual acuity, the quality of life of patients is often altered due to an under-diagnosed dry eye syndrome that may be caused by surgery. This study shows the importance of an adequate patient care that focuses on the ocular surface in order to minimize visual discomfort.

Financial Disclosure:

None