Dry Eye Disease among Pregnant Women at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kashmir

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) across different trimesters among pregnant women in Kashmir. Patients and Methods: This cross sectional longitudinal study was conducted in the department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College, Srinagar. 80 Pregnant women were included in the study irrespective of gestational age. DED was assessed objectively using Tear Break-up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer's test. Results: A total of 80 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean age of the women was 27.40 years. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 26 to 30 years and majority in the third trimester. The prevalence by TBUT test was 87.5% and by Schirmer?s test it was 26.25%. The association between gestational age and dry eyes by Schirmer?stest was statistically significant (p value=0.038). Conclusion: This study shows the importance of a routine eye examination to check for dry eyes disease during pregnancy. Hence, screening of all pregnant women for dry eye disease will create awareness on pregnancy related dry eye disease, which in turn will facilitate early recognition, and thereby prompt treatment where necessary.