Introduction: Dry eye syndrome is not a disease entity, but a symptom complex which occur as result of deficiency or abnormalities of tear film, exposing the conjunctival and corneal epithelium to evaporation. Corneal surgery has been recognized as one of the risk factors for the development of dry eye disease by interruption of normal ocular homeostasis by reducing corneal sensation and altering the contour of the ocular surface as a consequence of the inflammation caused by surgical trauma.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate incidence of dry eye in patients who undergo cataract surgery by clear corneal phacoemulsification.

Methodology: A prospective study was conducted in the department of Ophthalmology at MMIMSR, Mullana from Jan 2018 to June 2018. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study. All the patients were subjected to Schirmer’s I test (SIT), Rose bengal staining and tear film break up time (TBUT) examination and OSDI questionnaire. The dry eye incidence was analysed on 1,7,30 and 90 postoperative day.

Results: All the patients were subjected to Schirmer’s I test (SIT), Rose bengal staining and tear film break up time (TBUT) examination and OSDI questionnaire. The dry eye incidence was analysed on 1,7,30 and 90 postoperative day. At 90^th postoperative day, 82 patients had normal TBUT and Schirmer1 test while 18 patients showed abnormal TBUT and Schirmer1 test indicating an incidence of 18% of dry eye after clear corneal phacoemulsification.

Keywords: Dry eye, TBUT, Schirmer test, phacoemulsification, Rose Bengal Staining.

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Dr Shazia Qayum

MS ophthalmology DNB ophthalmology, Assistant Professor, GMC & AH Rajouri, India