Prevalence, pattern and associated risk factors of Dry eye disease: Results of a prospective patient database from a tertiary eye care centre in Central India

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the prevalence, pattern, and associated risk factors of dry eye disease at the tertiary eye care centre in Central India. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study, over 24 months, enrolled patients with systematic random sampling. Evaluation of dry eye disease (DED) was done with subjective and objective methods comprising of Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, slit lamp examination, Schirmer’s and FTBUT test. Patients were categorised into levels 1–4 DED. Association with various etiological factors like age, sex, occupation, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune disorders, and other systemic illnesses was assessed. The chi-square test/Fischer exact test was used to analyse categorical data. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors. Results: A total of 2560 patients were evaluated, of which 640 patients (25%) had DED. Prevalence was higher in patients aged > 50 years, household workers, students, government employees and farmers. Uncorrected refractive status, cigarette smoking, ocular allergy and contact lens usage were associated with increasing odds of developing DED. Conclusion: The prevalence of DED was estimated to be 25%. Certain occupations like household workers, students, government employees, farmers, uncorrected refractive errors, cigarette smoking, ocular allergy and contact lens users were significant risk factors for dry eyes.