AIM: To observe the tear film changes after phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation in age-related cataract patients and to compare the therapeutic effect of hydroxyl-glucoside and sodium hyaluronate on the postoperative dry eye.

METHODS: A total of 49 patients(70 eyes)with age-related cataract suffering from dry eye after phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation were divided into treatment group 1(group A, 23 eyes with conventional therapy and hydroxyl-glucoside at 7d postoperatively), treatment group 2(group B, 22 eyes with conventional therapy and sodium hyaluronate at 7d postoperatively)and control group(group C, 25 eyes with conventional therapy only). Questionnaire score of dry eye symptoms, SchirmerⅠtest(SⅠt), tearfilm break up time(BUT)and corneal fluoresce in staining(CFS)were measured at 2d preoperatively and 7, 14, 30, 90d postoperatively.

RESULTS: No statistical differences existed among the three groups of preoperative 2d(P>0.05). At 2d preoperatively and 90d postoperatively, the results of questionnaire score of dry eye symptoms, SⅠt, BUT, and CFS displayed no statistical differences in the patients of three groups(P>0.05). While there was statistical significance among preoperatively and 7, 14, 30d postoperatively of the three groups(P<0.05). At 14, 30d postoperatively, the questionnaire score of dry eye symptoms, SⅠt, BUT, CFS in group A and B were better than in group C, which displayed statistical differences(P<0.05). At 30d postoperatively the questionnaire score of dry eye symptoms, SⅠt, BUT in group B were better than in group A, which displayed statistical differences(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: At the early stage after phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation, the tear film stability is decreased, which may promote eyesymptoms. Management with hydroxyl-glucoside or sodium hyaluronate plays a role in relief of the structure and stability of the tear film and improves dry eye symptoms, while sodium hyaluronate eye drops is more effective.