Dry eye syndrome after phacoemulsification cataract surgery: Experience from a tertiary care hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is considered the gold standard for cataract extraction. Despite its safety, postoperative ocular surface disturbances, particularly dry eye disease (DED), remain underreported.Objective: To evaluate the incidence, severity, and associated risk factors of dry eye following phacoemulsification cataract surgery in a tertiary care setting.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 120 patients undergoing uneventful phacoemulsification. Patients with pre-existing dry eye or ocular surface disease were excluded. Tear film breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer’s I test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were assessed preoperatively, and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.Results: At 1 week, 42% of patients developed dry eye, with mean TBUT (6.2±2.4 sec) and Schirmer’s scores (8.6±3.2 mm) significantly reduced from baseline (p<0.05). The incidence decreased to 28% at 1 month and 18% at 3 months. Female gender, age > 65 years, and longer phaco time (> 10 minutes) were significantly associated with persistent dry eye (p<0.05).Conclusion: Dry eye is a common but largely transient complication after phacoemulsification. Preoperative screening and early lubrication therapy can reduce patient discomfort and enhance visual rehabilitation.