AIM: To investigate the influence of preoperative application artificial tears on tear film function and dry eye in cataract patients with dry eye after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

METHODS: Between June 2018 to June 2019, 107 patients were diagnosed cataract with dry eye before phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in our hospital. These patients were randomly divided into control groups(not treated artificial tears preoperative)and study group(treated with 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops at 1wk preoperative). Ocular surface disease index(OSDI)questionnaire, break up time(BUT), Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt)and fluorescein stain test(FL)were observed and analyzed at preoperatively and 7, 30d postoperatively.

RESULTS:There were no significant differences in preoperative OSDI scores(28.59±8.10 vs 29.08±9.18), BUT(5.15±0.47 vs 5.02±0.53s), SⅠt(6.86±0.98 vs 6.71±1.02mm/5min), and FL scores(3.96±0.89 vs 3.76±0.83)between the two groups(P> 0.05). At 7 and 30d postoperative, the OSDI score and FL score of the study group were significantly lower than the control group, and the BUT and SⅠt of the study group were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Application of artificial tears before phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation can significantly relieve early dry eye symptoms, restore tear film function, and prevent postoperative dry eye aggravation.