Clinical Profile and Determinants of Dry Eye Disease in Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is the disorder which is identified with tear film instability, ocular surface inflammation, and neurosensory dysfunction, which results to discomfort and visual impairment. The occurrence hasvariation among different populations and enhances with age, lifestyle factors and different systemic disorders. Analysis of the clinical profiles and determinants are important for the diagnosis and management.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study conducted over one year in a tertiary care hospital in India evaluated the clinical profile and determinants of dry eye disease. Among 150 patients aged above 20 years attending the Ophthalmologyoutpatient department, 90 were diagnosed with dry eye. Detailed demographic, clinical, and systemic data were collected following informed consent. Diagnosis and grading were based on Schirmer’s test I, tear break-up time (TBUT), tear film thinning time (TTT), and tear meniscus height (TMH).

Results: Across 90 dry eye cases, the highest age-specific prevalence was observed in the 50–59-year group (26.67%), followed by 40–49 years (20.00%) and 60–69 years (18.89%), while younger adults aged 20–29 years contributed only 5.56%. Symptomatically, burning sensation (93.75%), blurred vision (92.11%), redness (90.00%), and itching (89.47%) predominated. Mild to moderate level of severity was observed with significant reduction in the quantity and the quality of tear for different parameters like Schirmer’s I, TBUT, tear meniscus height, and tear film thinning time.

Conclusion: The study had concluded that dry eye disease was commonly prevalent among mid aged individuals, associated with ocular surface symptoms like itching and other systemic comorbidities were present. Mostly cases varied from mild to moderate level of severity of dry eyes.