Use of lubricating eye drops after cataract surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient satisfaction and dry symptoms in patients undergoing routine uncomplicated cataract surgery in NHS patients treated with post-operative prophylactic phosphate-free, preservative-free lubricating eye drops (0.3% cross-linked sodium hyaluronate AEONTM Protect Plus, and 0.15% Sodium Hyaluronate with vitamins A and E, AEONTM Repair): A randomized, prospective, controlled study.
IRAS ID
276400
Contact name
David O'Brart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 14 days
Research summary
In modern “small-incision” cataract surgery, full-thickness incisions through the periphery of the cornea, with a combined total arc length of 3.0 to 4.0 millimetres are made and a not insignificant proportion of corneal nerves will be cut. Moreover, any further corneal incisions such as limbal-relaxing incisions for astigmatism can further exacerbate corneal nerve damage.
The intact corneal nerve plexus is essential in the regulation of normal tear production, providing continuation sensation, both in basal and stimulatory conditions in a feedback loop for tear production. Any block or impairment of corneal nerve function can significantly limit this feedback stimulation to create a normal tear film, leading to an abnormal tear film and subsequent visual dysfunction and dry eye signs and symptoms.
These factors are compounded by the fact that cataract surgery is typically performed in an aged population where preexisting dry eye disease, especially with regards to meibomian gland dysfunction are common and can therefore be exacerbated by routine, uncomplicated cataract surgery.
The aim of this study is to investigate the routine use of post-operative lubricating drops in a randomized, prospective methodology in patients undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery in the NHS setting. As these drops are provided with the intraocular lens to be implanted at no extra cost by the lens manufacturer, if found to be of benefit in reducing dry eye problems such a study might provide evidence for the universal implementation of post-operative ocular lubricant drops and help influence other manufacturers to adopt similar policies so that all patients have access to this treatment.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
20/WA/0059
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion