Lid wipes and tear substitutes improve symptoms of ocular surface disease after cataract surgery

Lid wipes and tear substitutes are an effective addition to postoperative care for alleviating patient-reported ocular discomfort after cataract surgery, according to a study

The study analyzed 63 patients who received either standard treatment, including topical antibiotics, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or the same regimen supplemented with lid wipes and tear substitutes. Symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5). Objective measures, such as noninvasive keratograph break-up time, tear meniscus height, conjunctival hyperemia, and meibography, were also evaluated.

Patients receiving standard care alone experienced no significant symptom improvement. In contrast, those using lid wipes and tear substitutes had significant reductions in OSDI scores and a trend toward improved DEQ-5 scores, along with a decrease in inferior eyelid meibography scores. Intergroup comparisons confirmed greater symptom improvement in the adjunct treatment group, though objective ocular surface parameters remained largely unchanged.

Reference
Coco G, Meliante LA, Di Stefano F, et al. Impact of Lid Wipes and Tear Substitutes on Symptoms and Signs of Ocular Surface Disease After Cataract Surgery-A Real-Life Study. J Clin Med. 2025;14(22):8140. doi: 10.3390/jcm14228140. PMID: 41303173; PMCID: PMC12653074.