Dry eye symptoms among diabetics: an exploratory study on knowledge, attitude, and practice

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to explore the awareness of dry eye symptoms among diabetics attending a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Material and methods: Twenty-five diabetic patients aged ≥ 40 years were selected from the diabetic clinic of the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi using convenience sampling. Our primary focus was to determine whether diabetics knew that they were at high risk of developing dry eye symptoms. Participants were also asked both openand closed-ended questions to explore their attitude and practices in relation to dry eye symptoms such as burning, stinging, grittiness, and discomfort. Results: None of the 25 diabetics we interviewed knew that diabetics as compared to their non-diabetic counterparts were at higher risk of developing dry eye syndrome. They did not know about the signs, symptoms, and complications of dry eyes. Twelve participants had symptoms of dry eyes. Among these, five reported washing their eyes with cold water, four reported using no remedy, and one reported using surma. No one reported having consulted an eye doctor. Conclusion: Our study concludes that diabetics did not know that they had an increased risk of developing dry eye symptoms compared with their non-diabetic counterparts. Population-based research is needed to assess dry eye related risk awareness and control measures among diabetics.