Diagnosis of dry eye patients with ocular irritation

Abstract

Dry eye is often an under diagnosed condition of the eye that can cause discomfort, burning sensation and blurred vision. These symptoms are related to the alterations in the layers of tear film, insufficient production or excessive evaporation of tear film. The primary aim of this study is to diagnose and to find out the incidence of dry eye in patients presenting with symptoms of ocular irritation. A total number of 225 patients of both sexes aged between 20 and 80 years with complaints of ocular irritation were included in this study. Detailed history taking, slit lamp examination of the anterior segment, tear film breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, Fluorescein stain score and Rose Bengal stain score was done for all patients. Data was presented only for the worst eye of each patient. Dry eye was found in 46.67% of patients. Among symptomatic patients, 24% had TBUT value < 10 sec. Fluorescein score was ≥ 1 in 6.6% of symptomatic patients. RB score ≥3 was found in 28.4%. Both Schirmer test and TBUT were positive in 22.7% of the symptomatic patients. Only 4.9% of symptomatic patients were positive for all 3 tests including staining. This study firmly concludes that the Schirmer’s test, TBUT and staining should be done routinely for patients with ocular irritation for the early diagnosis of dry eye.