A Clinical Study on Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease among the Patients Attending O.P.D in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Assam

Objective- To study the prevalence of Dry eye disease among patients attending O. P. D. (Out Patient Department) of Assam Medical College for ophthalmic problems. Materials and Methods-This is a prospective study conducted on 200 patients attending outpatient department of Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam. The study was done from June, 2016 to Nov, 2016. This study was conducted based on tear film status which was evaluated by Schirmers I Test, Tear film break up time and Tear meniscus height. RESULTS- A total of 200 patients were enrolled in the study. Out of which 65 (32.5 %) patients were found to have dry eye disease. The incidence of the dry eye disease was found to be high (39.13 %) among the in 51-60 years age group, 22 (27.5 %) in males and 43 (35.83 %) in females. Most common presenting symptom was itching among 52 (80 %) patients. Positve Schirmers test-I (less than 10 mm. ) were found in 63 patients (31.5 %). CONCLUSION- The prevalence of the dry eye is 32.5 % according to the our Hospital based study. Dry eye incidence increases with the age. The females were affected more than the males.