Study of dry eye parameters in diabetics in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to study the frequency and severity of dry eye in diabetic patients and their correlation with duration of diabetes. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on all patients with diabetes mellitus presenting to ophthalmology department of a tertiary care hospital between November 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019. The study population included diabetic patients who were above the age of 40 years. Detailed ocular history including diabetic history was recorded and comprehensive ocular clinical examination to assess the dry eye status was done. Schirmer s I test and Tear film Break-Up Time (TBUT) tests were performed and results were recorded. Results: In this study, 100 eyes of 50 diabetic patients were subjected to dry eye tests. Varying degree of dryness was seen in 34 patients (68%). Schirmer s test was abnormal (<10 mm) in 24 patients (48%) and TBUT test was abnormal (<10 s) in 34 patients (68%). Majority of patients (60%) were asymptomatic. Statistically significant association was seen between the duration of diabetes with Schirmer s I test and TBUT test (P = 0.00). Conclusion: Dry eyes are a frequent association seen in patients with diabetes. Simple noninvasive tests for dry eyes such as Schirmer s test and TBUT test should be considered as an integral part of routine examination in diabetics as these may be asymptomatic.