Role Of Postoperative Lubrication In Preventing Dry Eye After Cataract Surgery

Increase of dry eye signs and symptoms is observed after cataract surgery, leading to a significant burden for the patients. The Ocular Surface Frailty Index (OSFI) is used to assess the risk of developing dry eye after cataract surgery. The present study investigates the effect of intensive lubrication, using Systane Hydration MDPF eye drops (Alcon Research, Ltd., Fort Worth, Texas, USA), on the postoperative rate of dry eye, as assessed via OSFI.

117 patients will be included into the study and after baseline examination three study days are scheduled. (7, 30 and 90 days after cataract surgery). During each visit a comprehensive assessment of the ocular surface and dry eye parameters, including questionnaires for subjective complaints, corneal and conjunctival staining scores, break up time and meibomian gland scores is performed. Based on the OSFI score, each patient is assigned to a high-risk group or a low-risk group (reference group). In the high-risk group, patients are also randomly divided into a control group (standard treatment) and a treatment group (intensive lubrication with Systane Hydration MDFP eye drops).

At the time of abstract submission, recruitment of the reference group is completed. Signs and symptoms of dry eye increased significantly after cataract surgery during the study period in this group. (Ocular surface disease index, Break up Time, Ocular surface staining; p<0.05 each). Data for group 1 and group 2, as well as comparisons between the groups are pending, as the recruitment of these groups has not yet been completed. Findings will be presented during the ESCRS meeting in Vienna.

The postoperative development of dry eye is an important issue to address as a cataract surgeon. The current study comprehensively investigates the role of intensive lubrication after cataract surgery to prevent dry eye and its associated signs and symptoms. The results could have a major impact on how these patients are identified and how to reduce the risk for developing postoperative dry eye.