August 2026, Volume 4, Issue 8

Author

Arul Rani R, Srinithi Srinivasan and J. Priyanga

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular surface disorder that frequently develops following cataract surgery due to corneal nerve injury, postoperative inflammation, and tear film instability. Although generally transient, postoperative dry eye can adversely affect visual quality, patient comfort, and overall satisfaction. The present study aimed to evaluate postoperative changes in tear film function among patients undergoing uncomplicated small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based Prospective Observational study was conducted among 84 patients who underwent uncomplicated SICS at the Department of Ophthalmology, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, between August 2024 and January 2025. Patients with pre-existing ocular surface disease were excluded. Tear film function was assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 weeks postoperatively using Schirmer's test and tear break-up time (TBUT). Results: The majority of participants belonged to the 56-60-year age group (42.9%), with females constituting 53.6% of the study population. Preoperatively 71.4% of patients had Schirmer's test values >15 mm which declined to 9.5% at one week after surgery before improving to 46.4% at six weeks. Mean Schirmer's test values decreased significantly from 17.57 ± 4.28 mm preoperatively to 10.47 ± 2.62 mm at one week and subsequently improved to 14.73 ± 3.20 mm at six weeks (p <0.001). Similarly, all patients had normal TBUT (>10 seconds) before surgery, whereas only 63.1% maintained normal TBUT at one week. Mean TBUT decreased significantly from 14.20 ± 2.47 seconds preoperatively to 10.34 ± 1.63 seconds at one week and improved to 12.43 ± 2.09 seconds by six weeks (p <0.001). Conclusion: Uncomplicated small incision cataract surgery is associated with a significant transient reduction in tear secretion and tear film stability during the early postoperative period.