PROPHYLAXIS OF DRY EYE SYNDROME AND REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS FOLLOWING DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY

Resume. This study investigated the causes, prevention, and management of dry eye syndrome (DES) following dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in 180 patients. Tear film stability, ocular surface condition, and patient-reported symptoms were assessed using OSDI, TBUT, and Schirmer tests. DES occurred in 30% of patients within three months post-surgery; however, early application of lubricating agents and physiotherapy reduced this rate to 8–10%. The findings confirm that combined use of hyaluronate-based artificial tears, lipid formulations, thermal therapy, and meibomian gland care is effective in minimizing DES after DCR. Keywords: dacryocystorhinostomy, dry eye syndrome, prophylaxis, rehabilitation, meibomian glands, artificial tears, physiotherapy, quality of life.