Prevalence of dry eye syndrome in an adult population.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To determine the prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the general 40- to 64-year-old population of Shahroud, Iran.

DESIGN:

Population-based cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS:

Through cluster sampling, 6311 people were selected and 5190 participated. Assessment of dry eye was done in a random subsample of 1008 people.

METHODS:

Subjective assessment for dry eye syndrome was performed using Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. In addition, the following objective tests of dry eye syndrome were employed: Schirmer test, tear break-up time, and fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining using the Oxford grading scheme.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Those with an Ocular Surface Disease Index score ≥23 were considered symptomatic, and dry eye syndrome was defined as having symptoms and at least one positive objective sign.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of dry eye syndrome was 8.7% (95% confidence interval 6.9-10.6). Assessment of signs showed an abnormal Schirmer score in 17.8% (95% confidence interval 15.5-20.0), tear break-up time in 34.2% (95% confidence interval 29.5-38.8), corneal fluorescein staining (≥1) in 11.3% (95% confidence interval 8.5-14.1) and Rose Bengal staining (≥3 for cornea and/or conjunctiva) in 4.9% (95% confidence interval 3.4-6.5). According to the Ocular Surface Disease Index scores, 18.3% (95% confidence interval 15.9-20.6) had dry eye syndrome symptoms. The prevalence of dry eye syndrome was significantly higher in women (P = 0.010) and not significantly associated with age (P = 0.291). The objective dry eye syndrome signs significantly increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the findings, the prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the studied population is in the mid-range. The prevalence is higher in women. Also, objective tests tend to turn abnormal at higher age. Pterygium is associated with dry eye syndrome and increased its symptoms.

• Authors: Hassan Hashemi, Mehdi Khabazkhoob, Ahmad Kheirkhah, Mohammad Hassan Emamian, Shiva Mehravaran, Mohammad Shariati, Akbar Fotouhi
• Journal: Clinical & experimental ophthalmology (Clin Exp Ophthalmol) Vol. 42 Issue 3 Pg. 242-8 (Apr 2014) ISSN: 1442-9071 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 23927383 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Chemical References

• Fluorescent Dyes
• Rose Bengal
• Fluorescein

Topics

• Adult
• Age Distribution
• Cornea (metabolism)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Dry Eye Syndromes (diagnosis, epidemiology, metabolism)
• Female
• Fluorescein (metabolism)
• Fluorescent Dyes (metabolism)
• Humans
• Iran (epidemiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prevalence
• Rose Bengal (metabolism)
• Sex Distribution
• Sex Factors
• Staining and Labeling (methods)