ABSTRACT Aim: To compare the incidence of dry eye in patients undergoing phacoemulsification vs small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and to assess the effect of 1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) eye drops on postoperative ocular comfort and tear film stability. Materials and Methods:104 eyes of 99 patients who had underwent phacoemulsification or SICS and had preoperative Schirmer Test -1(ST-1) values >/= 10 mm, Tear film Breakup Time(TBUT) >/=10 seconds, preoperative conjunctival impression cytology(CIC) showing grade 2 or less were included in the study and were classified into 4 groups. Each group of patients were randomised into two groups in which one group received 1% CMC eyedrops in addition to conventional treatment. Patients were assessed at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively for modified OSDI questionnaire, ST – 1 and TBUT. CIC was done at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Results: The incidence of dry eye as per ST-1 was statistically insignificant within the groups (P value >0.05). The maximum incidence was seen at 1 week in SICS groups followed by phacoemulsification groups ((7.7%) and (3.8%)). By the end of 3 months dry eye almost disappeared. The incidence of dry eye as per TBUT was statistically significant in all groups, peaking at 1week and was maximum in SICS groups (C (69.2%), and D (42.3%)). This gradually decreased by 3 months. The mean OSDI score showed a statistically significant change in all four groups. The peak of mean OSDI score and maximum incidence was observed at 1 week after which it reduced to baseline levels. CIC showed significant worsening at 1month postop period followed by a partial recovery at 3 months in all four groups.