Study of dry eye syndrome: Focus on causative factors, treatment modalities, quality of life, and preservatives used in eye drops

Abstract

Purpose: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a global issue occurring due to tear deficiency or excessive tear evaporation. It is associated with a variety of symptoms causing ocular discomfort. The purpose of the study was to evaluate causative factors, treatment modalities, quality of life, and preservatives used in eye drops. Methods: This prospective, follow-up study was conducted in the ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients older than 18 years of age of either sex diagnosed with DES and willing to give written informed consent were included. The patients were subjected to the Ocular surface disease index Questionnaire (OSDI Questionnaire) twice; at the time of the first visit and at 15 days follow-up. Results: A male preponderance was observed with a 1.86:1 male-to-female ratio. The mean age of the study population was 29.15 ± 10.07 years. The most common presenting complaints were symptoms related to dryness of the eyes followed by refractive error. Exposure to TV/computer screen for more than 6 hours is the most common causative factor. There was a statistically significant improvement in overall quality of life (QoL) in patients of DES on treatment. However, no significant difference was seen in the improvement of quality of life in comparison with different preservatives used in prescribed eye drops for the treatment of DES. Conclusion: DES can adversely affect the quality of life of patients. Prompt treatment of this condition can significantly improve the patient’s QoL. Physicians should be encouraged to perform quality of life evaluations for patients with DES to guide them in treatment with more individual-specific treatment options.