EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF 1% CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE AFTER PHACOEMULSIFICATION AMONG NORTH INDIAN POPULATION : A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO CONTROLLED STUDY

Abstract

Patients undergoing phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation present with dry eye symptoms postoperatively. The present study was done to evaluate the role of carboxymethylcellulose 1% added to conventional therapy to treat ocular discomfort and tear film instability in patients after cataract surgery.

METHODS:

A prospective, placebo controlled study of 150 patients with age-related cataract after undergoing phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were postoperatively randomized to treatment with conventional therapy plus CMC 1% (study group, n = 75) or to conventional therapy plus 0.9% NaCl

(control group, n = 75). Tear film breakup time (TBUT), schirmer test without anesthesia, lissamine green staining and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scoring were done preoperatively (baseline) and postoperatively at 7 and 30 days.

Results

A significant increase in TBUT in the study group as compared to the control group on both day 7 and day 30 was seen (p<0.0001). The OSDI score on day 30 decreased in study group but increased in control group. Schirmer test showed an increase in both the groups on day 7. Day 30 recorded a significant increase in the study group and a decrease in the control group (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

The present study thus concludes that dry eye can develop immediately after phacoemulsification with a peak on day 7. However, use of 1% carboxymethylcellulose stabilizes the tear film and thus prevents development of dry eye.