Assessment of Tear Film and Meibomian Glands before and after Cataract Surgery by the Ocular Surface Analyzer

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the tear film and meibomian gland function before and after cataract surgery using the Lacrydiag ocular surface analyzer. Methods This was an observational prospective study including 34 eyes that underwant phacoemulsification at the Ophthalmology Department of Menoufia University Hospital from October 2023 to January 2024. The patients were evaluated pre-operatively as well as 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Dry eye symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Traditional tear break up time (TBUT) was performed as well as Schirmer I test. The Lacrydiag Ocular Surface Analyzer was used for assessment of the tear film and meibomian glands. Results Ocular surface analyzer evaluations revealed statistically significant changes at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery in comparison to the values before surgery. Significant reductions were observed in non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) &amp; tear meniscus height, as well as in Schirmer's test without anesthesia, and fluorescein break-up time at each postoperative interval. Some improvements were observed at 1 month &amp; 3 months, however, measurements did not return to the initial pre-operative levels. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores significantly increased after 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery compared to preoperative levels. The proportion of meibomian gland loss region did not significantly increase after surgery (no structural alterations noted). These findings Conclusion The study highlights significant alterations in the health of the ocular surface and the stability of the tear film after cataract surgery, indicating that cataract surgery impacts both the amount and quality of tears.