Potential relationship between cataract surgery and ocular Demodex colonization.

BACKGROUND

To investigate the potential relationship between cataract surgery and ocular Demodex species colonization.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 100 eyes of 100 patients who underwent cataract surgery. Each participant's ocular surface condition was assessed using both subjective and objective tests for ocular surface and dry eye disease during examinations undertaken preoperatively and in the first postoperative month. Patients with ocular surface disease or dry eye syndrome were excluded. At both the preoperative and first-month postoperative visits, two eyelashes were collected from the upper and lower eyelids of the operated eye. These samples were analyzed in a laboratory by an expert microbiologist to determine the presence or absence of Demodex species. All participants were treated with a combination of topical steroids and antibiotics postoperatively, applied four times daily over a one-month period, with the dosage reduced by one dose every week.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 59.8 ± 11.4 years, and 44%were female. The mean operative time was 10.5 ± 2.1 min, while the mean duration of ultrasonic use was 1.8 ± 1.2 min.Demodex spp. was detected in 37 patients (37%) during the preoperative visit and in 56 patients (56%) at the first-month postoperative visit, indicating statistically significant increase in Demodex spp. prevalence postoperatively (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in Demodex colonization when analyzed by age or gender (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed a significant increase in Demodex spp. prevalence at the first postoperative month in patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery and who did not have preoperative dry eye syndrome or ocular surface disease. In light of our findings, ocular surface symptoms, such as stinging, burning, tearing, and itching, following cataract surgery should prompt consideration of Demodex colonization.