Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (Jan 2016)
A Study of Dry Eye Disorder in Elderly Persons of Western Rajasthan
Abstract
Introduction: Dry eye syndrome is one of the most frequently encountered ocular condition and is a common cause of discomfort especially in the elderly population. It has a multifactorial etiology, which, in most cases, is always chronic and progressive. Material and Methods: This study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2015 and total 108 patients of more than 50 years age group were enrolled. It was a non randomized observational study in which all patients attending outdoor of department of Ophthalmology at MDM Hospital, Jodhpur with features of dry eyes syndrome were enrolled after receiving informed written consent. Results: Dry eye was more common in females (63.89%) in comparison to males (36.11%). Seventy eight percent of patients suffering from dry eye were above 60 years of age. 67.59% of dry eye patients were from rural areas. Most frequent complaint in patients suffering from dry eye was feeling of grittiness and soreness in eyes (80.56%). Next most frequent complaint was redness of eyes in 68.52% of cases followed by burning sensation in eyes (66.67%). Dry climatic condition was present for 100 percent of patients. Evidences suggestive of meibomian gland dysfunction were present in 63.89% of patients. History of cataract surgery by phacoemulsification and diabetes were present in 49.07% and 44.44% of patients respectively. Among symptomatic females, 34.26% patients were postmenopausal. Conclusions: Dry eye disorders are more common in elderly females. Most frequent complaint in patients suffering from dry eye was feeling of grittiness, redness and burning sensation in eyes. Dry climatic conditions, meibomian gland dysfunction, previous eye surgery, diabetes mellitus, long term antihistaminics and topical anti glaucoma drugs were most important risk factors for causing dry eyes in our study.
