The Effect of a Pre-cataract Surgical Ocular Hygiene Regime on Microbial Load, Tear Osmolarity, Dry Eye, and Inflammatory Markers

This study assesses the impact of two differing ocular hygiene regimens prior to cataract surgery. The first regimen includes an omega-3 supplement and the second without, and both include an at-home lid wipe and cleansing eye drops. These regimens will be assessed on microbial load, inflammation, tear osmolarity, and dry eye metrics. Patients will be randomized to either the omega-3 group + 3-part hygiene regimen, or the group with only the 3-part hygiene regimen. Data will be collected for inflammation through a test (InflammaDry) that measures an inflammatory marker, dry eye metrics via an imaging tool called Oculus 5M and the Canadian Dry Eye Assessment (CDEA) questionnaire, tear osmolarity through Tear Labs device, and area of growth for conjunctiva microbial load by swabbing the conjunctiva of the eye. Dry eye metrics (CDEA and Oculus 5M) will be collected during the patient's baseline appointment, 2-5 days prior to surgery, and post-operative month 1. Microbial load swabs will be collected at baseline, 2-5 days prior to surgery, and date of the surgery. An ocular assessment will also be completed at baseline, one week post-operation, and one month post-operation. All metrics will be compared to the fellow eye. The usage of omega-3 will be compared to the regimen without omega-3.