EVALUATION OF VARIOUS RISK FACTORS OF DRY EYE

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the various risk factors of dry eye in a hospital based population.

Materials and methods: 250 consecutive patients of above 10 years age attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital were screened. Objectives test for dry eye were done such as Schirmer’s test, tear film break up time was done to diagnose dry eye. The role of age, sex, systemic diseases, systemic medication, and smoking were assessed.

Results: Out of 250 patients 147 (58.80%) of cases showed signs and symptoms of dry eye. Majority of cases were in age group of 40 to 49 61(24.40%). There was not much difference according to sex.53 (21.20%) of cases had dryness, 39 (15.60%) had foreign body sensation and 31 (12.40%) had grittiness.59 (23.60%) cases were smokers. Among systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart diseases and depression, only depression was statistically significant (p<0.005). Use of systemic drugs such as antihistamines, antidepressant and antihypertensive were statistically significant (p<0.005) and associated with risk of dry eye.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that dry eye is one of the commonest conditions seen in outdoor patients today, due to increased computer and air condition use. Though it seems trivial, it can cause distressing symptoms which affect day to day life. Preservative free artificial tear drops are also beneficial and non toxic even in long term use. Schirmer’s test, though easy and cheap is known to over diagnose the condition. Hence we need better tests to diagnose tear film deficiency.