Screening for Dry Eye Disease in Out–patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital–A clinical study.

Dr. MOHAMMED AZHAR CHISTI; Dr .A. TARAKESWARA RAO; Dr. P. SRIHARI SIDDHARTHA

Volume : V, Issue : XII, December - 2015

Screening for Dry Eye Disease in Out–patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital–A clinical study.

Dr. Mohammed Azhar Chisti, Dr . A. Tarakeswara Rao, Dr. P. Srihari Siddhartha

Abstract :

Objective: Study the prevalence of dry eye among patients seeking attention for ophthalmic problems, Materials & Methods:This is a prospective study conducted at Govt. Regional Eye Hospital between 1st March 2015 to 15th April 2015.This study was conducted based on Tear film status which was evaluated by using Tear Meniscus Height, Schirmer’s I Test and Tear film eakup time. Results: A total of 150 patients were enrolled in this study. Outof which, 22(14.66%) subjects were found to be suffering from Dry Eye disease (DED) .Incidence of DED was found to be high in 41–50 years age group (25%). 12.12% in Males and 16.67% in Females. The most common symptoms isItching (45.45%), followed by burning sensation (40.9%), Foreign Body Sensation (36.36%), and Redness (31.8%) Conclusion: Out of 150 patients 22(14.66%) subjects were found to have dry eye. Probable contributing factors include: • Increased Urban pollution levels • Lower levels of nutrition, literacy & awareness of treatment of simple conditions which when neglected may lead to DED. This study sensitizes the ophthalmologist sitting in the busy OPD to always keep a high index of suspicion of the possibility of DED