Prevalence of dry eye disease in type 2 diabetic patients and its co-relation with the duration, glycemic control and retinopathy

Abstract

Aims: To study the prevalence of dry eye disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and to study the various factors associated with dry eye in them. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional clinical study of 100 Type 2 diabetic patients attending a Medical College in Raichur, India was conducted between July 2011 – June 2013. Detailed diabetic history was recorded. Assessment of anterior segment via slit lamp biomicroscopy was done. The examination for dry eyes included Schirmer’s test, Tear break up time, Fluorescein and rose Bengal staining and a questionnaire. The grade of retinopathy was examined by ophthalmoscopy and recorded. Results: 36% of the diabetic patients had dry eye. Dry eye prevalence increased with increase in the duration of diabetes (p=0.002), poor glycemic control (p=0.005), presence of retinopathy (p=0.002). Meibominitis (53.6%), was found to be the major contributory factor (p=0.00). Mild dry eye was found in 55.5%, moderate dry eye was found in 33.0%, severe dry eye in 11.5%. Conclusion: Diabetes and dry eye appears to be a common association. Reduction in modifiable risk factors of dry eye is essential to reduce its prevalence. Statistical correlation was found between dry eye and duration of diabetes, presence of retinopathy, poor glycemic control. Examination for dry eye should be an integral part of the assessment of diabetic eye disease.

Keywords

• Dry eye disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Meibomian gland disease