Dry Eye- Study of Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors and Frequency of Symptoms in Meerut District

Abstract

BACKGROUND Dry eye is increasingly becoming a major concern amongst the general population because of the discomforting symptoms it leads to as well as amongst the ophthalmologists who face a diagnostic dilemma because of lack of standardization. It, therefore, becomes important for health personnel to assess the burden of the disease in the population. METHODS This study was conducted in the Upgraded Department of Ophthalmology, LLRM Medical College, Meerut, from June 2017 to May 2018. The study was done to survey the prevalence of dry eye among the patients aged above 20 years presenting to the outpatient department with the symptoms suggestive of dry eye. The patients underwent a holistic series of subjective and objective assessment techniques to determine the prevalence, distribution of the various types of dry eye disease, association of the various known risk factors and frequency of symptoms. RESULTS The prevalence of dry eye in Meerut district is 40.9%. Females (44.2%) are more affected than males (35.9%). Evaporative type (43.1%) dry eye is the most common in this part of the country followed by the mixed type (35.4%). The farmers and labourers (64.2%) are the most prone occupations followed by factory workers (37.7%) and the maximally affected age group is 60-69 years. Itching is the most common presenting complain. CONCLUSIONS Meerut district has a significant burden of dry eye disease. Risk of dry eye increases with increasing age, exposure to dry and hot climate. Though smokers seem to have an increased risk, this is not statistically significant. Diabetes and hypertension, the two most common systemic illnesses in the presenting population were not found to be statistically significant in terms of increased risk. Wider studies are needed to confirm these findings. By providing more emphasis on the importance of seeking professional help for symptoms of dry eye through public education, we can offer significant relief and perhaps provide a better quality of life.