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Proportion of dry eye disease and its clinical profile in patients presenting with ocular surface symptoms to the ophthalmology OPD of a tertiary care centre in South India over a period of one year

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Original Article

Author Details : Jisha Kamalakshy, Nandini K, Vijayamma N, Rajesh PS

Volume : 2, Issue : 4, Year : 2016

Article Page : 345-349

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Abstract

Introduction: Dry eye disease is a frequent cause of ocular irritation for which patients seek ophthalmic care. Due to a wide variety of presenting symptoms it is often unrecognized. We come across many patients with ocular surface discomfort for whom empirical dry eye therapy is administered most of the time without confirming whether the symptoms are attributable to a true dry eye condition.
Objective: To estimate the proportion of Dry eye diseases and its clinical profile in patients presenting with ocular surface symptoms to ophthalmology OPD in a tertiary care centre over a period of 1 year.
Methodology: 250 Consecutive patients attending Ophthalmology OPD with ocular surface symptoms described in dry eye diseases were included in the study. They were subjected to objective tests namely Schirmer test, Tear break up time and ocular surface stains to confirm the diagnosis of dry eye and the clinical profile of the confirmed cases of  dry eye disease are analysed.
Results: Proportion of Dry eye disease was 63.6% in the study population. Majority was in the age group of 50-59 years (26.41%). Male: Female ratio was 1:3.5.Postmenopausal age group was found to more affected. Systemic diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis (3.77%), Sjögren's syndrome (3.14%) and Hypothyroidism (3.14%) were present in few patients with Dry eye disease.
Conclusion: A significant number of patients presenting with ocular surface discomfort had Dry eye disease. Probability of diagnosis of Dry eye disease in such patients increases with advancing age and postmenopausal status.

Keywords: Dry Eye disease, Ocular surface symptom, Itching, Schirmer test, Tear Break Up Time, Lissamine green, Fluorescein dye

How to cite : Kamalakshy J, Nandini K, Vijayamma N, Rajesh Ps, Proportion of dry eye disease and its clinical profile in patients presenting with ocular surface symptoms to the ophthalmology OPD of a tertiary care centre in South India over a period of one year. Indian J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016;2(4):345-349

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