ESCRS - FP20.02 - Impact Of Low-Level Light Therapy On Ocular Surface Status After Cataract Surgery: 6-Month Results From A Prospective Randomized Double-Masked Controlled Clinical Trial

Impact Of Low-Level Light Therapy On Ocular Surface Status After Cataract Surgery: 6-Month Results From A Prospective Randomized Double-Masked Controlled Clinical Trial

Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: FP20.02 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/sf9h-0x48

Authors: Dr Mihaela Madalina Timofte Zorila* 1 , Mr Mario Troisi 2 , Mr Filippo Lixi 3 , A/Prof. Giuseppe Giannaccare 3 , Prof. Daniel Constantin Branisteanu 1

1Ophthalmology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi,Iasi,Romania, 2Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples,Italy, 3Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari,Cagliari,Italy

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of perioperative low-level light therapy (LLLT) on ocular surface parameters and the occurrence of dry eye disease (DED) up to 6 months after cataract surgery. Postoperative ocular surface instability is common and may negatively affect visual quality and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to determine whether adding perioperative photobiomodulation improves symptoms and objective tear film parameters compared with sham treatment.

Setting

Single tertiary ophthalmology center, Cai Ferate Clinical Hospital, Iași, Romania. All surgeries and examinations were performed using standardized institutional cataract surgery and ocular surface assessment protocols.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled clinical trial including consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery. Participants were randomized to receive perioperative LLLT administered for one week before and one week after surgery or sham treatment. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear breakup time (BUT), and tear osmolarity were measured preoperatively (T0) and at 6 months postoperatively (T3). Patients were classified according to ocular surface status at T0 and T3.

Results

Of 89 randomized patients (mean age 73.8±8.0 years), 77 completed 6-month follow-up. Perioperative LLLT resulted in significant and sustained symptom improvement (OSDI 26.6±15.4 to 14.3±10.1; p<0.001), whereas symptoms worsened in the sham group (p=0.037), with significant between-group differences (p<0.02). BUT increased with LLLT (5.8±4.0 to 7.4±2.6 s; p=0.002) but declined in controls. Tear osmolarity significantly decreased with LLLT (300.7±14.2 to 286.9±11.2 mOsm/L; p<0.001) and increased in the sham group (p=0.005). DED prevalence at 6 months was markedly lower with LLLT (50.0% vs 84.6%; p=0.001).

Conclusions

Perioperative low-level light therapy significantly improves ocular surface stability, reduces symptoms, and lowers the prevalence of postoperative dry eye disease at 6 months after cataract surgery. The sustained improvement in both subjective and objective parameters suggests that perioperative photobiomodulation may represent an effective adjunctive strategy to optimize ocular surface status and enhance postoperative patient comfort.