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 Schirmer’s 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 Schirmer’s testI(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.