Ocular surface changes after simultaneous cataract surgery and limbal relaxing incisions

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess time-course changes of the ocular surface after simultaneous phacoemulsification and limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) in the early postoperative period.Patients and methods We prospectively examined 35 eyes of 22 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous cataract surgery with LRIs both preoperatively and postoperatively (1 week, 1 month, and 3 months). Ocular surface quality was assessed in terms of corneal sensitivity, tear break-up time (BUT), and tear production, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Corneal sensitivity was measured using the Cochet–Bonnet corneal aesthesiometer, and tear volume was determined using Schirmer’s I test.Results Corneal sensitivity was 58.5±3.9 mm preoperatively and was 58.3±2.7, 58.9±2.5, and 59.8±0.6 mm at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively [analysis of variance (ANOVA), P=0.13]. The BUT was 9.7±5.6 s preoperatively and was 5.6±3.1, 5.9±4.7, and 4.5±2.6 s at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, postoperatively, respectively (ANOVA, P=0.002). Tear volume was 15.2±8.8 mm preoperatively and was 12.2±6.9, 12.5±7.3, and 11.8±8.0 mm at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively (ANOVA, P=0.26).Conclusion Simultaneous phacoemulsification with LRIs induced a significant decrease in BUT postoperatively without significantly affecting tear volume or corneal sensitivity