Is There A Relationship Between Phacoemulsification Surgery And Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of uncomplicated phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (Phaco) surgery on meibomian gland (MG) morphology and  Noninvasive-tear break-up time (NI-BUT).

University of Health Sciences, Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Education and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Department, İstanbul, Turkey

This study is a prospective, case-control study. Senile cataract patients without ocular surface pathology (e.g., rosacea or a history of trachoma) diagnosed in our clinic were included. Preoperative (Preop) and postoperative (Postop) meibography (MBG) values and NI-BUT were measured at the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month. Preop values were compared with the 1st-week, 1st-month, and 3rd-month values, while Postop values were compared with each other (1st week vs. 1st month, 1st week vs. 3rd month, and 1st month vs. 3rd month). These values were also analyzed in relation to the operation time. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20.

46 patients, 16 males and 30 females, were included in the study. The mean preop MG loss was 37%, 39%, in the 1st week and 43.6% in the 1st month. In the 3rd month, this rate decreased to 36.69%. Preop and postop MBG changes of the patients were found to be p<0.05 except for preop-3rd month (p=0.17). There is significant difference between the comparisons of all MBG results in the postop period (p=0.00). The mean preop NI-BUT value was 6.63sn, 5.92sn in the 1st week, 5.75 sn in the 1st month, 8.67sn in the 3rd month. Statistically significant differences were observed between preop-postop, 1st week-3rd month and 1st month-3rd month NI-BUT values (p<0.05). There is no correlation between the duration of surgery and MBG and NI-BUT values.

It was observed that phaco surgery had a negative effect on MG at the early stages of surgery such as 1st week and 1st month, but this effect was transient and regressed at a relatively late stage such as 3rd month. Additionally, the duration of NI-BUT was found to be consistent with changes in MG.  The duration of surgery had no effect on MG.