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Abstract

Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial ocular surface disorder that is becoming increasingly prevalent with advancing age and rising rates of diabetes mellitus worldwide. Among diabetic individuals, ocular surface abnormalities such as tear film instability and epithelial damage are frequent yet often underdiagnosed complications. The geriatric demographic, especially those with comorbidities, are at a significantly higher risk for DES due to systemic changes and impaired lacrimal gland function.
Objective: To compare the prevalence of dry eye syndrome between diabetic and nondiabetic patients attending the ophthalmology outpatient department at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Eye OPD of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from October 5, 2020, to December 5, 2023. A total of 100 participants were selected using convenience sampling and divided equally into two groups: 50 diabetic patients (cases) and 50 nondiabetic individuals (controls), all above 40 years of age. A comprehensive anterior segment examination was performed using slit lamp biomicroscopy. Dry eye diagnosis was established through two diagnostic tools: the Schirmer test (values <10 mm considered dry; <5 mm considered severely dry) and fluorescein staining (presence of more than three stained cells indicating surface damage). Data were processed using SPSS version 25 and EPI Info 16, with significance assessed via chi-square analysis.
Results: Among diabetic patients, 12 out of 50 (24%) were diagnosed with DES, compared to 26 out of 50 (52%) in the nondiabetic group. The calculated odds ratio was 7.90 at a 95% confidence interval, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.004943 (p < 0.05), indicating a notable association between diabetes and DES.
Conclusion: The study indicates a significant association between diabetes mellitus and the development of dry eye syndrome, emphasizing the need for early ocular screening in diabetic patients for timely intervention.