Assessment of dry eye status in type 2 diabetic Patients: A prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Dry eye is defined according to Dry eye workshop (DEWS) Definition as a multifactorial disease of the tear film and ocular surface resulting in symptoms of visual disturbance, discomfort, tear film instability, increased osmolarity of tear film and ocular surface inflammation. Diabetes is one of the leading health related catastrophes the world has ever witnessed. It affects millions of people all over the world. Objective: Assessment of incidence of dry eyes in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: A prospective study was carried out to assess the presence of dry eyes and to investigate the relationship of retinopathy with dry eyes. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria 50 diabetic patients who attended the out-patient department of the Department of Ophthalmology, Ad-din Akij Medical College, Khulna and Eye Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh from January to June 2023. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria 100 diabetic patients who attended the out-patient department of the Department of Ophthalmology, were selected. Results: Out of 50 Diabetic patients, 22 had dry eyes. Mild form of dry eyes was most common (20%). Majority of the patients were between the ages of 40-60 years. There was no significant association of age, sex and duration of diabetes with incidence of dry eyes. Mild form of dry eyes was most common (20%). There was no significant association of age, sex and duration of diabetes with incidence of dry eyes. Abnormal tear break up time was abnormal in 33%. Abnormal Fluorescein staining was seen in 20% study subjects. Moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy was significantly more common in diabetic patients with dry eyes. Conclusion: Examination of dry eyes should be an integral part of the assessment of diabetic eye disease so as to improve the patients comfort and to prevent or minimize further structural damage to the ocular surface.