AIM: To evaluate the effect of polyethylene glycol eye drops on tear film break-up time and symptoms for dry eyes after cataract surgery.

METHODS: Eighty patients with dry eyes secondary to cataract surgery who were treated in our hospital from January to August 2013 were randomly divided into group A and group B. Group A was treated with sodium hyaluronate eye drops for one week, and Group B was treated with polyethylene glycol eye drops for one week. The break-up time of tear film was measured and the subjective symptoms were graded before and after the treatment.

RESULTS: The tear film break-up time of group A was respectively 3.87±1.12s and 4.21±1.06s before and after the treatment, with no significant difference(P>0.05); it was respectively 3.98±1.04s and 8.98±1.30s with significant difference for group B(P<0.05). The symptom grade of group A was respectively 13.71±2.9 and 7.01±3.11 before and after the treatment with significant difference(P<0.05). It was 12.98±2.54 and 3.98±1.94 with significantly difference for group B(P<0.05). After the treatment, there was a significant difference between group A and group B(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Polyethylene glycol eye drops can extend tear film break-up time and improve symptoms of dry eyes. It is an effective drug in treatment of dry eyes after cataract surgery.