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Study: Dry eye may be more prevalent in cataract surgery patients than previously thought

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SAN DIEGO — The rate of dry eye in patients undergoing cataract surgery is higher than commonly reported, according to a study here.

"Increased awareness of the prevalence of dry eye signs and symptoms should lead to proactive treatment and careful monitoring for either surgically induced dry eye or the exacerbation of dry eye disease existent prior to undergoing cataract surgery," William B. Trattler, MD, OSN SuperSite Board Member, and colleagues said in a poster presentation at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.

The prospective, multicenter, observational pilot study assessed 143 patients undergoing cataract surgery at nine U.S. sites.

Abnormal tear break-up time was reported in 62.9% of patients, and abnormal Schirmer's score was reported in 21.3%. Fluorescein corneal staining was positive in 76.8%.

While only 22.1% of patients received a dry eye diagnosis, more than 30% reported stinging, burning, dryness and foreign body sensation, while 40% reported itching, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and fatigued eyes, Dr. Trattler said.

• Disclosure: No products or companies are mentioned that would require financial disclosure.