Prevalence of severe dry eye disease in postmenopausal women in North India: A teaching hospital study

Aim: To assess the prevalence and severity of dry eye disease (DED) in postmenopausal women in Northern India. Materials and Methods: Sixty six (out of 90 enrolled) women of post-menopausal age with dry eye disease who were treated in a teaching hospital in Northern India, between March 2017 and April 2018, were analyzed prospectively to determine patterns of clinical presentation and treatment outcome. After noting the detailed history and demography, all patients underwent for through ocular examination including assessment of visual acuity by Snellen’s chart and anterior segment evaluation with slit lamp biomicroscopy. Dry eye evaluation was done with Schirmer’s test and Tear film break-up time (TBUT). Result: The overall prevalence of dry eye disease in post-menopausal women was 73.33% which was statistically significant (p< 0.001). Maximum number of patients (53.03%) having dry eye disease had duration of menopause ranging from 6-10 years. 34.85% had tear film instability and 18.18% had aqueous deficient dry eye, however majority of patients had mixed type of DED. 24.24% patients had severe degree of DED. Severity of DED increases with increasing age of patient and duration of menopause. Conclusion: Dry eye disease is a common problem in post-menopausal women which may lead to visual impairment / blindness. By early diagnosis and treatment of DED in post-menopausal women quality of life can be improved and severe dry eye related blindness can be reduced. Hence, ophthalmic evaluation for dry eye should be integral part of the post-menopausal women.