Ocular Surface and Tear Cytokine Changes after Cataract Surgery in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in ocular surface indices and tear cytokines after cataract surgery in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Ocular surface indices and concentrations of tear cytokines (MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF) were evaluated at baseline and one week and one month postoperatively.

RESULTS

Patients (30 diabetic and 30 control) were enrolled. In the diabetic group, changes in ocular symptom and tear breakup time remained until one month postoperatively (P < .05, respectively); in the control group, ocular symptom increased at one week postoperatively (P = .015). MCP-1 level in the diabetic group significantly increased postoperatively (all P < .05); however, in the control group, the IL-8 level was significantly decreased postoperatively (all P < .05). MCP-1 concentration was negatively correlated with TBUT in the diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic patients can experience more prominent changes after surgery and these changes were accompanied by an increase of several tear cytokines.