A Comparative Study of Dry Eye Disease in Diabetics and Non-Diabetic Population at National Eye Centre, Kaduna

Abstract

Background: Dry eye is a multifactorial pathology caused by a progressive dysfunction of the lacrimal and Meibomian glands which often leads to reduced aqueous tear production and increased tear evaporation. All these disorders are associated with ocular discomfort such as watering and redness of the eyes resulting from irritation of the ocular surface particularly the cornea. Dry eye is identified as one of the complications of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a systemic risk factor for dry eye disease. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dry eye disease in diabetics compared to non-diabetics at National Eye Centre Kaduna. Methods: This study is a comparative cross-sectional study. The study population comprised of types 1 and 2 diabetic patients who are 18years and above attending National Eye Centre Kaduna and non-diabetics age and sex matched subjects. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to subjectively identify subjects with DED. All participants underwent Schirmer’s test and a Tear break-up time to objectively make a diagnosis of DED. Results: A total of 200 participants were assessed in this study. Their ages ranged from 32-74 years (mean 53.2±9.7). Respondents within the age range of 56-65 years had higher frequency of dry eye disease (DED) 43.5%. More females had DED 61.35%. Those with secondary educational status had the highest frequency of DED 40.3%. Diabetic subjects within the age range of 56-65 years old had higher frequency of DED 88.6%. Females have higher rates of DED 80.8%, as against 61.8% among males’ non-Diabetic subjects. Subjects with secondary educational status had the highest frequency of DED 87.5% in diabetic subjects while 71% in non-diabetic. The housewives had the highest percentage of DED 89.5% in diabetic subjects while 95% in non-diabetic subjects. The result further revealed the prevalence of 76% among diabetic patients while prevalence of 48% for non-diabetic patients. A significant positive correlation between subjective assessment and objective clinical tests. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes have a higher prevalence of DED than non-diabetic population in National Eye Centre, Kaduna. Women were found to have a higher prevalence. There was a significant association between DED and duration diabetes. There is a correlation between objective clinical tests and subjective assessment in both diabetic and non-diabetic population.