ABSTRACT

Conclusion:

Tear function tests are more affected in cases of extracapsular cataract extraction compared to phacoemulsification method. The phacoemulsification method seems to be a safer method regarding tear functions compared to extracapsular cataract extraction surgery.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences between preoperative values and postoperative 1st and 7th day, 1st and 3rd month measurements of cotton thread test, Schirmer I test and tear break up time in cases performed phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction (p0.05).

Methods:

The study comprised of 111 patients including 52 females and 59 males who had cataract operations. The ages of the cases varied from 9 to 85 (63.31 ± 10.48). Extracapsular cataract extraction was applied to 50 eyes and phacoemulsification was applied to 103 eyes. The tear functions including cotton thread, Schirmer I and tear break-up time tests were evaluated at preoperative and postoperative on 1st day, 7th day, 1st month and 3rd month.

Purpose:

It was aimed to evaluate tear functions in cases where cataract surgery was performed with extracapsular cataract extraction or phacoemulsification method.