AIM: To explore the changes of ocular surface after phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation.

METHODS: Totally 78 cases of 78 eyes with age-related cataract were collected from August 2011 to October 2012, and they underwent corneal incision phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation. The score of dry eye symptoms; tear breakup time(BUT); Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt)and corneal fluorescein staining were observed and recorded in 3 days before, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 and 6 months after surgery respectively. The results were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: All the subjects complained of dry eye within 1 week after surgery. Compared with 3 days before the surgery, the corneal fluorescein staining increased and the amount of tear secretion reduced statistically significant in 1 day, 1 week and 1 month(P<0.05). BUT was significantly shorten in 1 month after surgery(P<0.05). Three months after the operation, they were all recovered to the level of before(P>0.05), and lasted to 3 months later.

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation has obvious effect on the ocular surface to some extent. Preventions and treatment should be taken clinically.