Dry Eye Following Cataract Surgery: A Comparative Analysis between Manual SICS Vs Phacoemulsification

Background: Dry eye syndrome, a clinical condition marked by insufficient tear secretion or increased tear evaporation, leads to ocular irritation and discomfort. This condition stems from changes in the tear film layer. Post-cataract surgery, numerous patients report sensations of foreign bodies, redness, and dry eye symptoms. The current study aimed to evaluate the frequency of dry eye development following manual small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification at a teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This single-center, prospective observational study included patients aged 45 to 75 years scheduled for elective cataract procedures. Schirmer’s test and tear break-up time (TBUT) were used to assess and document dry eye symptoms. A total of 200 eyes from patients were analyzed. Results: Majority patients were aged 56-65 years and a slight predominance of female participants. The average age of participants was 68.89 ± 6.35 years. A greater proportion of patients underwent SICS (61.50%) compared to phacoemulsification (38.50%). Differences in dry eye incidence between the 1-week and 3-month follow-up, TBUT, and Schirmer’s test values were statistically significant (p < 0.5). Comparing SICS to phacoemulsification at 1 month, dry eye incidence rates, TBUT, and Schirmer’s test measurements also showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cataract surgeries may induce or exacerbate dry eye symptoms, influencing related test parameters for up to three months post-surgery, with a more pronounced effect observed in phacoemulsification compared to SICS.