The epidemiology of epiphora in a tertiary care hospital in Dubai: A retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to investigate the epidemiology of epiphora at one of the largest tertiary care hospitals in Dubai. This is the first study in the United Arab Emirates investigating the epidemiology of epiphora and its associated factors in patients referred to oculoplastic clinic. Methods: This retrospective study includes all patients referred to oculoplastic clinic from January 2012 to September 2015. A full ophthalmic examination was performed to assess dry eye syndrome, ocular surface. Results: A total of 116 patients were included in the study, with females comprising 61.2% of the sample size and a mean age of 34 years. Around 54.3% had bilateral epiphora, while unilateral tearing was more prevalent among the younger male patients with a mean age of (11.05±17.04, p