Analysis of treatment results in dry eye syndrome patients after phacoemulsification by preservative-free 0.3% sodium hyaluronate eye drops

Postsurgical dry eye syndrome is found in a substantial proportion of patients after phacoemulsification.  Its onset could be explained by surgical trauma and by use of preservative-containing eye drops. In some patients, it causes substantial discomfort that continues unabated after 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Purpose. To investigate the results of 0.3% sodium hyaluronate instillation therapy used to treat dry eye syndrome after phacoemulsification.

Materials and methods. Basal tear secretion (Schirmer II test) and tear breakup time (TBUT) test were investigated in 33 patients with symptoms characteristic of dry eye syndrome in 1 month after phacoemulsification. These patients received 0.3% preservative-free sodium  hyaluronate instillations for 30 days, whereupon Schirmer II and TBUT tests were repeated. Symptom dynamics was estimated according to the OSDI questionnaire scale.

Results. Mean values of basal tear secretion and TBUT tests were slightly below normal ones. In one month of treatment, the TBUT index associated with “Gilan Ultra Comfort” use became somewhat better: mean TBUT value appeared to be 9.8 ± 2.5 sec. OSDI questionnaire patient symptom score evaluation also revealed in patients a mild degree of xerosis severity. Mean score before treatment was 19.6 ± 10.0. Positive disease dynamics after “Gilan Ultra Comfort” use is confirmed by a significant decrease of OSDI score index up to  12.3 ± 6.3.