Study of ocular morbidities in heavy smokers attending eye OPD of a tertiary care centre of central India

Tobacco smoke contains a myriad of toxic chemicals. Smokers have been implicated to be at a higher risk of developing dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, amblyopia, ARMD and diabetic retinopathy. In addition to this, many smokers are not aware of the adverse effects of smoking on the eye. A survey carried out in 2013 in the UK found that just 15% of smokers are concerned about the impact smoking has on their eye health. Aims: To find out the incidence, prevalence, status of ocular disease among heavy smokers and to know the awareness level among heavy smokers. Also to find out relation between ocular problems and systemic diseases in subjects. Setting: The study was carried out in patients attending eye OPD of a tertiary care centre during July and August 2015.This is a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Clinical examination was conducted starting with the torch light examination and conjunctiva, cornea, lens, anterior segment were evaluated. This was followed by visual acuity assessment using snellens chart. Furthermore, Slit Lamp Biomicroscope was used in case of suspicious cases to add to our findings. Dry eye evaluation was done using Schirmer test strips. Lastly Direct Ophthalmoscopy was performed to look at the fundal changes. Appropriate statistical formulas were used. Results: The prevalence of Dry eye was 74.28%. The finding of dry eye in males and females was not significant at p value <0> Conclusion: We were able to quantify different ocular morbidities of which Dry eye was the most prevalent. Findings of cataract, ARMD and diabetic retinopathy were also present in some patients. We were also able to quantify findings of dry eye in males and females; however the difference was statistically insignificant. Our study also shed some light on various other associated systemic findings present in the patients in addition to the eye problems.