Cataract disease is a very common disease in advanced age groups and surgical intervention is required for its treatment. It should be noted that surgical intervention has become easier with the developing technology and can be completed in a very short time. However, as in every operation, there may be various side effects and postoperative complications in cataract surgery. Here, dry eye formation can be shown among these side effects that can be experienced. The precautions taken before the operation ensure that the risk of dry eye is minimised. Let’s summarise the situation with scientific explanations on this subject.
How Effective Is Lipiflow Application Before Cataract Surgery Against Dry Eye?
The study examines Lipiflow application before the operation to alleviate dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery. In the clinical trial conducted in Glendale Arizona, 62 patients were examined.
Among the 62 patients, 31 patients were divided into a treatment group and the remaining 31 patients were divided into a control group. The group designated as the treatment group received Lipiflow treatment 1 month before cataract surgery. In the control group, surgery was performed without any treatment.
Postoperative evaluations were made on the data collected before the operation and the data collected at 1, 3 and 6 months.
It was also stated that OSDI, SPEED II and IDEEL questionnaires were included in the evaluations. So how are the results?
Evaluation Results
- OSDI Score: In the treatment group, the OSDI score, which was 56.98 at baseline, decreased to 14.73 at 6 months, showing a 65% improvement. In the control group, it decreased from 48.52 to 17.47, showing a 60% improvement.
- SPEED II Score: 57% improvement was observed in the treatment group and 37% improvement was observed in the control group.
- Meibomian Gland Secretion: 73% increase in the treatment group and 12% increase in the control group.
- Tear Cytokine Levels: No significant change was observed in MMP-9, IL-1a, IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the treatment group.
- Objective Findings: No significant difference was found in tear osmolarity, NIKBUT, corneal and conjunctival staining tests.
Conclusion
The data show that with Lipiflow, a favourable improvement in the function of the meibomian glands in particular has been recorded. The treatment is effective in eliminating ocular surface symptoms such as dryness and discomfort. In the test results, patients reported a significant reduction in dryness and an improvement in overall comfort.
When compared within patients, Lipiflow’s preoperative use in patients prior to cataract surgery provides some extra benefit in the first few months after surgery.
Source
- https://www.dovepress.com/effect-of-lipiflow-thermal-pulsation-on-ocular-surface-disease-managem-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OPTH
