Abstract

Dry eye is a multifactorial ocular surface and tear film disorder that causes discomfort, visual disruption and tear film instability, as well as potential ocular surface injury¹. Our aim is to evaluate and compare the ocular surface and tear film changes following cataract surgery- Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) V/S Phacoemulsification surgery
Methods: Patient diagnosed with cataract, age >40 years were selected. A detailed history and ocular examination were done. Patients explained the purpose and procedure of the study.
A written consent was taken. Patients were divided into 2 groups Group 1 included all cases who underwent SICS and Group 2 included all cases who underwent Phacoemulsification. Preoperatively Schirmer’s test, TBUT, OSDI, Impression cytology were done on patients and details were recorded in preformed proforma. Patients underwent their respective surgery. Post operatively Schirmer’s test, TBUT, OSDI, Impression cytology were done at 1 week, 1 month and 3 month and details were recorded in preformed proforma.
Result: Individuals who underwent SICS had a higher prevalence and severity of dry eyes in early post operative period than those who underwent phacoemulsification surgery.
Conclusion: To conclude dry eye is known to have various etiological factors out of which cataract surgery is one of the factors predisposing to dry eye. Incidence of dry eye is higher in Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) than phacoemulsification due to tear film instability.  Eyes with post operative dry eye may also have lesser visual comfort as compared to those who do not develop significant dryness.