Method:

94 eyes of 47 patients with age related cataract and planned to have cataract surgery are included in the study. Patients are divided into 4 groups: operated normal eyes: groupA (n=34 eyes), other non-operated eyes of the same patients: groupB (n=34 eyes), operated eyes of the patients having dry eye before surgery: group C (n=13 eyes), non-operated eyes of dry eye patients: group D (n=13 eyes).

For all the patients 1 day before, 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after surgery, tear function tests (Schirmer I, Tear Break up Time) are recorded, florescein staining in cornea is graded and corneal thickness is measured with central pachymeter.

Results:

In group A, no significant difference is determined for Schirmer I and schirmer scale values between before and 1 day,1 week, 1 month after surgery (p>0,05). Tear break up time value was decreased significantly in 1. day and 1. week compared to before surgery (p< 0,05). In group A, Corneal punctat staining ratio after surgery was %35,2 in the first day, %26,4 first week and %14,7 first month. For the dry eye patients; significant increase in Schirmer I and schirmer scale values in 1 week and Tear break up time value in 1 month was observed (p< 0,05). Corneal punctat staining ratio after surgery was %53,8 in the first day, %30,7 first week and %23 at the end of the first month and staining pattern was mostly generalized or in the lo-wer quadrant.

Conclusions:

Phacoemulsification surgery is a safe procedure for the cornea and ocular surface but we think that evaluation of the patients especially with dry eye for the ocular surface changes in their controls before and after surgery may be beneficial.

Keywords: Ocular surface, phacoemulsification surgery