Exploring dry eye disease patterns after cataract surgery

Ocular Surface and Corneal Morphological Changes After the Cataract Surgery and Associations With Inflammatory Biomarkers

Observational Lithuanian University of Health Sciences · NCT06298890

This study looks at how cataract surgery affects dry eye symptoms in patients aged 50 to 90 and tests if using artificial tears helps improve their comfort over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorLithuanian University of Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kaunas)
Trial IDNCT06298890 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the patterns of dry eye disease (DED) following cataract surgery, focusing on ocular surface changes, corneal morphology, and patients' subjective assessments of DED. It aims to correlate these factors with ocular surface inflammation and pain biomarkers, while also evaluating the effectiveness of artificial tears for lubrication during long-term follow-up. The study involves cataract patients aged 50 to 90 who have undergone uncomplicated phacoemulsification by a single experienced surgeon.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cataract patients aged 50 to 90 without prior ocular surface diseases or surgeries.

Not a fit: Patients with severe dry eye disease, glaucoma, diabetes, or other systemic conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of dry eye disease post-cataract surgery and improve management strategies for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on dry eye disease, this specific approach focusing on post-cataract surgery patterns is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cataract patients from 50 to 90 years old who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification performed by one (and same) experienced surgeon.
* Patients with no underlying ocular surface diseases (keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis and others).
* Patients who previously did not undergo any ophthalmic surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient expressed his wish to not participate in the study or discontinue it when already enrolled.
* Severe dry eye disease diagnosed with OSDI/DEQ-5 and at least one of the following tests: TBUT less than 10 seconds, tear osmolarity higher than 308 mOsm/l or positive corneal staining.
* Glaucoma.
* Diabetes mellitus.
* Systemic connective tissue disease, autoimmune disease.
* Neurologic conditions including stroke, Bell's palsy, Parkinson's, trigeminal nerve dysfunction.
* Patients who underwent refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK).
* Contact lens users.
* One or more of the following concomitant medications: psychiatric medicines, antihistamines and/or hormonal replacement.
* Patients who are already regularly using topical drops or ointments.

Where this trial is running

Kaunas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dry Eye DiseaseCataractOcular Surface Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.