The Effect of Sodium Hyaluronate on the Corneal Biomechanics of Patients with Cataract and Dry Eye Before Operation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the artificial tear drop administration time on the regularity of the corneal surface in patients with dry eye. METHODS: Patients with cataract who were admitted to the hospital from January 2018 to December 2018 were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) based on their grade of noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and the concentration of the eye drops used. Groups A and C were classified as NIBUT grade 1 (NIBUTf of 6–9 s and NIBUTav of 8–13 s), and groups B and D were classified as NIBUT grade 2 (NIBUTf of <5 s and NIBUTav of ≤7 s). Groups A and B received 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops, and groups C and D received 0.3% sodium hyaluronate eye drops. RESULTS: In group A, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the surface regularity index (SRI) and the surface asymmetry index (SAI) measured 1 s after eye drop administration. In group B, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the SRI and the SAI measured 1 s and 5 and 10 min after eye drop administration. In group C, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the astigmatism degree, SRI, SAI, and irregular astigmatism index (IAI) measured 1 s after eye drop administration. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in potential visual acuity (PVA). In group D, there was a significant increase in the IAI and Q value (parameters of aspheric characteristics of cornea, corneal Q value) measured 1 s after eye drop administration as well as a significant decrease in PVA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops in patients with dry eye aid the temporary recovery of corneal surface regularity and the stability of tear film. The 0.1% sodium hyaluronate had a significant effect for the first 10 min after treatment.