Changes of dry eye parameters after small incision lenticule extraction surgery in patients with different ocular surface disease index scores

To evaluate the changes of dry eye parameters after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery in patients with different ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores. Prospective research. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A, OSDI < 13; and Group B, OSDI ≥ 13. The OSDI scores, tear meniscus height (TMH), first non-invasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT-First), and meibomian gland loss (MGL, %) were recorded at postoperative 1 -week and 1-month.113 eyes (57 patients) were enrolled, 70 eyes in Group A, and 43 eyes in Group B. In Group A, the OSDI scores significantly increased at 1-week and 1-month postoperative (all P < 0.001); the TMH, NIBUT-First and lipid layer grade significantly decreased at postoperative 1-week (P = 0.003, 0.005, 0.007, 0.004, respectively), but returned to preoperative level at 1-month postoperative. In Group B, only the lipid layer grade significantly decreased at postoperative 1-week (P < 0.05). Patients with different preoperative OSDI scores may experience different changes early after SMILE surgery. Patients with OSDI scores < 13 may experience more dramatic changes in dry eye symptoms which would resolve, while subjective complains could still exists at 1 month after surgery.