A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF DRY EYE AFTER MANUAL SMALL INCISION CATARACT SURGERY

Background: Cataract surgery is the leading method for treating cataracts, the primary cause of preventable blindness worldwide. However, dry eye disease (DED) is a common postoperative complication, affecting visual outcomes and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and severity of DED following small incision cataract surgery (SICS). Methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of G.R. Medical College, Gwalior, from January 2021 to June 2022. A total of 100 patients aged 50 years or older, with age-related cataracts, underwent SICS. Preoperative and postoperative assessments, including Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and fluorescein staining, were performed at 7 and 30 days post-surgery. Results: On the 7th postoperative day, 72% of patients had dry eye disease, with 15% mild, 37% moderate, and 20% severe symptoms. By the 30th postoperative day, the incidence dropped to 39%, with 18% mild, 11% moderate, and 10% severe dry eye. Statistically significant differences were noted in TBUT and Schirmer's test results (p < 0.001) at both follow-ups. Fluorescence staining showed a decrease in punctate staining from 72% at 7 days to 39% at 30 days (p = 0.0001). A higher prevalence of dry eye was observed in females (p = 0.0240), and the highest incidence was seen in patients aged 66-70 years. Conclusion: Dry eye is a prevalent postoperative complication after cataract surgery, with a significant reduction in symptoms over time. Postoperative management with lubricants and preoperative testing for tear film stability is essential for effective patient care.