Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Studies have indicated 54% prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic DES, in diabetes. However, the relationship between diabetes and DES still remains unclear. The reported prevalence of DES in diabetics is 15–33% in those over 65 years of age and increases with age and is 50% more common in women than in men. Aim of the study: To evaluate the prevalence, etiology and clinical manifestations of dry eye syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology. We selected 100 diabetic patients who reported to the outpatient department with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical data of all patients which included sex, age, duration of diabetes as well as a history of other diseases, were obtained by reviewing the medical records and direct patient interview. Subjects with secondary diabetes and those who on medication or have other diseases were excluded. Dry eyes were suspected on the basis of a history of ocular discomfort, including soreness, gritty sensation, itchiness, redness, blurred vision that improves with blinking and excessive tearing.Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 59.21 years. The mean HbA1c level in the patients was at 7.81. Out of the total 100 patients, 39 patients were diagnosed with dry eye. The variables between both the groups were comparable and were statistically non-significant. Conclusion: From the results of present study, this can be concluded that with the available common diagnostic tests for evaluation of dry eye syndrome, the prevalence of dry eye syndrome in diabetic patients is underestimated. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, dry eye syndrome, HbA1c.