Prevalence of dry eyes in patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of dry eyes in patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus and to compare various tests of dry eye. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted on 150 patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dry eyes symptoms were assessed using Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire and graded according to severity. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive Ocular surface staining pattern with fluorescein, Tear film breakup time test (TBUT) or Schirmers test. Severity of dry eyes was determined and prevalence calculated. Results: The prevalence rate of dry eye disease among diabetics was calculated as 36% on the basis of Ocular surface disease index. Mild, moderate and severe dry eyes were present in 16%, 16% and 4% patients respectively. TBUT showed very good agreement with highest diagnostic accuracy. Schirmers test and Fluorescein test had good and moderate agreement respectively. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus associated dry eye disease (DMDES) is the most frequent diabetic complication in clinical practice. Clinical trials are warranted to confirm the effects of the currently applied drugs in diabetes-associated DES for a better outcome in such patients. Our study can act as a stepping stone for larger multi-centric studies to gain more information about this largely unrecognized problem of diabetes associated dry eye disease.