AIM: To investigate the postoperative ocular surface changes in acute attack eye and contralateral eye with primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG)and cataract.

METHODS: A total of 40 patients with monocular acute PACG combined with cataract who admitted to Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected. Trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation was carried out in the acute attack eyes, and phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were carried out in the contralateral eyes. The ocular surface disease index(OSDI)questionnaire, noninvasive first tear film break-up time(NifBUT), noninvasive average tear film break-up time(NiaBUT)and tear meniscus height(TMH)were assessed preoperatively and 1, 3 and 6mo postoperatively.

RESULTS: The OSDI scores of the included patients at 1 and 3mo postoperatively(14.72±3.07, 11.39±2.24)were significantly higher than those preoperatively(9.68±1.98; all P<0.0083), and there was no significant difference between 6mo postoperatively(10.18±1.84)and preoperatively. NifBUT of the acute attack eyes at 1 and 3mo postoperatively was significantly lower than that preoperatively, and NiaBUT of the acute attack eyes at 1, 3 and 6mo postoperatively was significantly lower than that preoperatively(all P<0.0083). The NifBUT and NiaBUT of the contralateral eyes at 1mo postoperatively were significantly lower than those preoperatively(all P<0.0083), and there was no significant difference between 3 and 6mo postoperatively and preoperatively. There was no significant difference in TMH of the attack eyes and the contralateral eyes postoperatively and preoperatively(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The stability of tear film after surgery of PACG and cataract is decreased. The acute attack eye needs 6mo or even longer to recover, while the contralateral eye needs roughly 3mo.