To explore whether implantable collamer lens implantation has any effect on the postoperative objective indicators of dry eye and to determine the severity of its influence on each indicator.

This prospective observational trial was performed in the Department of Ophthalmology of West China Hospital and was approved by the Biomedical Ethics Sub-Committee of the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. A total of 89 non-dry eye patients (178 eyes in total) who received ICL implantation surgery at West China Hospital of Sichuan University were enrolled. The noninvasive keratograph tear film breakup time (NIKBUT), noninvasive keratograph tear meniscus height (NIKTMH), score of lipid layer, score of meibomian gland function, and hyperemia index were obtained via the OCULUS Keratograph for all subjects before surgery and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. The fluorescein tear film breakup time (FBUT), corneal fluorescein staining score (CFS), and Schirmer test I were also measured at the same time.

A total of 178 eyes completed the 1-week and 1-month follow-up, and 40 eyes completed the 3-month follow-up. Compared with the preoperative baseline, there was no significant difference in the NIKBUT or the corneal fluorescein staining score at each follow-up time point (P > 0.05, P > 0.05, P > 0.05). The FBUT and Schirmer test I at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery were significantly higher than the preoperative baseline (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01). The NIKTMH and the score of lipid layer were significantly lower than the preoperative baseline at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The score of meibomian gland function and hyperemia index were significantly lower than the preoperative baseline 1 week after surgery (P < 0.01).

ICL implantation has no adverse effect on the occurrence of postoperative dry eye, but it reduces the basal tear secretion of patients after surgery and has adverse effects on the indices of meibomian gland function in the short term postoperatively.