AIM: To observe the early tear film changes after trabeculectomy using Keratograph 5M.

METHODS: Fourty-one patients(46 eyes)of glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy were involved. First tear break up time(FTBUT), average tear break up time(ATBUT), non-invasive tear meniscus height(NITMH), lipid layer thickness and meibomian gland scores were measured at 1d preoperatively and at 1d, 1wk, 1mo postoperatively.

RESULTS:At 1d, 1wk and 1mo postoperatively, FTBUT and ATBUT decreased greatly(P<0.05), as well as lipid layer thickness(P<0.017). NITMH at 1d postoperatively increased significantly, but at 1wk and 1mo postoperatively decreased greatly(P<0.05). There was no significantly difference in meibomian gland scores between preoperation and postoperation(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:Keratograph 5M could be used to evaluate tear film function rapidly and accurately. Trabeculectomy significantly alters tear film stability and tear secretion in the short term after operation.