Prevalence of Dry Eye and its Subtypes in Hospital-based Population in Eastern India

1. Dr. Samar K Basak, MD, FRCS;
2. Dr. Partha Pratim Pal, DOMS;
3. Dr. Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, DOMS, MS
4. Dr. Sumit Choudhury, MS

Disha Eye hospitals & Research Centre, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700120, India

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of dry eye and its subtypes in general clinical ophthalmic population and to determine the risk factors on the presence of dry eye subtypes.

Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional, hospital based study from Eastern India. 3023 patients above the age of 30 years were screened randomly from general ophthalmic clinic. A detail demographic history of the patients was taken. Then a 6-point questionnaire pertaining to dry eye symptoms were asked to every patient. Tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's test, Rose Bengal stain and detailed slit lamp examination and grading of meibomian gland dysfunctions (MGD) were studied.

Results: Dry eye was significantly higher in female: 66.2% vs 33.8% (p<0.01). Symptom-based dry eye (one or more symptoms- often or most of the time) was diagnosed in 1234(40.8%) subjects. With symptoms and at least one sign (TBUT <10 seconds, RB staining (Van Bjisterveld score) 1 or more and Schirmer-I test <5 mm)- prevalence was 786(26%). MGD was detected in 957(31.7%) cases. Primary Sjogren syndrome was found in 21.5%. Rheumatoid arthritis patients had most severe type of dry eye where two symptoms are always present with significant sign.

Conclusions: Dry eye is a prevalent disease in Eastern India. It is often an under-diagnosed ocular condition. Meibomian gland dysfunctions were found to be common among dry eye cases. The early detection and timely management of this syndrome is important, as they can help prevent long-term sequelae and sight-threatening complications.