Prevalence and Determinants of Dry Eye Disease among Adults Attending an Ophthalmology Outpatient Department: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Dr. B.  Jyothi; Dr. NVL  Mounika

doi:10.51168/w0hst943

Authors

Dr. B. Jyothi Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana Author
Dr. NVL Mounika Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/w0hst943

Keywords:

Dry eye disease, Ocular Surface Disease Index, Ophthalmology outpatient department, Screen exposure, Contact lens, Diabetes mellitus, Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background:

Dry eye disease is a common ocular surface disorder that impairs visual comfort, reading, digital work, and daily functioning. Its burden is increasing in outpatient practice because of ageing, systemic comorbidities, contact lens use, environmental exposure, and prolonged screen-related visual activity.

Objectives:

To estimate the prevalence of dry eye disease and assess its demographic, systemic, ocular, behavioural, and environmental determinants among adults attending an Ophthalmology outpatient department.

Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India, from August 2025 to January 2026. A total of 100 adults were evaluated. Data on age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid disorder, contact lens use, previous ocular surgery, screen exposure, and exposure to dust or air conditioning were collected. Dry eye disease and severity were assessed using symptom-based grading supported by ophthalmic evaluation. Associations were examined using chi-square testing and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

The mean age was 44.9 ± 14.2 years, and females constituted 56.0% of participants. Dry eye disease was present in 42.0% of adults. Mild, moderate, and severe disease accounted for 42.9%, 38.1%, and 19.0% of dry eye cases, respectively. Higher prevalence was observed among older adults, females, diabetics, contact lens users, participants with screen exposure above 4 hours/day, and those exposed to dust or air conditioning. Screen exposure showed the strongest independent association.

Conclusion:

Dry eye disease was common among adult ophthalmology outpatients, with age, female sex, diabetes, contact lens use, prolonged screen exposure, and environmental exposure emerging as relevant determinants.

Recommendations:

Routine screening, early symptom recognition, counselling on screen breaks and blink hygiene, environmental modification, and targeted follow-up for high-risk adults are recommended.

Author Biographies

Dr. B. Jyothi, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana, India. She is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, clinical ophthalmic care, and academic research. Her areas of interest include anterior segment disorders, cataract, ocular surface diseases, diabetic eye disease, and community ophthalmology. She has contributed to clinical training, patient care, and research activities aimed at improving ophthalmic outcomes in tertiary care settings.
Dr. NVL Mounika, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana, India. She is engaged in clinical ophthalmology services, medical education, and research. Her academic interests include comprehensive ophthalmology, refractive errors, dry eye disease, retinal disorders, and preventive eye care. She is involved in teaching medical students and supporting clinical research focused on common ophthalmic conditions and vision-related health outcomes.

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