Study: Dry eye risks complicate cataract surgery recovery

Editor's Note

A meta-analysis reveals that cataract surgery often leads to temporary tear film instability, with symptoms potentially lasting up to three months, according to a January 16 article in Medscape. However, the impact on other dry eye measures remains unclear due to inconsistent findings across studies.

Researchers analyzed 20 observational studies involving 1,694 eyes published between 2010 and 2021, with seven studies (481 eyes) included in a meta-analysis published in BMC Ophthalmology, Medscape reports. Primary outcomes focused on dry eye symptoms assessed via validated questionnaires, while secondary outcomes measured tear film stability, aqueous production, and ocular surface damage. The findings indicated significant tear film instability in the short term, with a mean difference of −4.09 (95% CI, −7.73 to −0.46) and a modest decline at medium-term follow-up (mean difference, −2.01; 95% CI, −2.96 to −1.05).  

The authors emphasized that dry eye should be considered a potential complication of cataract surgery and advised clinicians to discuss this risk with patients, Medscape reports. Research limitations included study heterogeneity, inconsistent follow-up periods, and the inability to assess whether symptoms return to baseline over time.