Modeling the Economic Burden of Disease during Dry Eye Syndrome Prophylaxis in Patients after Cataract Phacoemulsification

The evaluation the burden of disease is an important aspect of modern medical science, such studies clearly illustrate the need for preventive measures aimed not only at improving the quality of life of patients, but also at the possibility of saving the state budget. It can become a reason for additional investments in the healthcare system from the state. A comprehensive analysis of the preventive treatment’s impact on dry eye syndrome for preparing patients for cataract phacoemulsification in accordance with the developed algorithm, which involves a differentiated approach based on the severity of dry eye syndrome, allowed us to determine the following indicators. In the absence of preventive treatment for dry eye syndrome (DES). Тhe duration of the disease is extended by an average of 35 %. It means that the patient will receive 38.64 % less money than the minimum level for living in Moscow. At the population level, assuming that only 1/3 (33 %) of 14,000 patients with severe dry eye syndrome complications are employed, i.e., 4,620 persons, the loss of wages amounts to up to 46,200,000 rubles from the patient’s perspective. It has been established that from the government’s point of view, financial expenses for temporary disability payments can reach up to 75,679,800 rubles per year. A course of therapy aimed at preventing the development of severe DYS in the postoperative period in patients with cataract phacoemulsification during their preparation for surgical treatment will reduce the total burden of the disease (direct and indirect costs) by 115,416,000 rubles per year. The obtained data indicate the needs of the ophthalmologists’ attention to the importance of timely diagnosis of DYS at the stage of patient rehabilitation for planned ophthalmic surgery, in particular, for cataract phacoemulsification. It’ll reduce the incidence of severe forms of DES, improve the quality of life of patients, and decrease costs for both the patient and the government.