AIM: To screen for dry eye among type 2 diabetic patients ,determine the prevalence and correlate with
blood sugar levels.
METHODS: 100 patients who were diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes were included in the study .Detailed history regarding
ocular symptoms, diabetes and its duration was taken. A thorough ocular examination using Slit lamp bio microscopy was
done and visual acuity tested with Snellen's chart.Tear lm status evaluated by Schirmer's I test, Tear lm break up
time(TBUT),Tear meniscus height. Two or all of the above performed tests was positive in a given patient, the patient was
deemed to be suffering from dry eye.
RESULTS:Out of 100 patients, males were 48 and females were 52. 39 patients were found to show positive screening tests for
dry eye.38% (out of 39 patients) had major symptom of foreign body sensation. 23 out of 39 patients were females. 14 out of 39
patients were in age group 51 to 60 years.Most of the diabetics with dry eye had duration of disease 5 to 10 years .39 patients
had Tear Break Up time <10 sec, 25 patients had Tear Meniscus Height <0.25mm and 36 patients had Schirmers I
test<10mm.Diabetics with dry eyes had average RBS of 179.63+57.28 and PPBS of 247.75+88.39 mg/dl. These values were
more when compared to diabetics with no dry eye.
CONCLUSION: Early ocular examination in Diabetic patients and good glycemic control should be done considering
increased incidence of dry eyes.This should be an integral part of the assessment of diabetic eye disease so as to improve the
patient's comfort and to prevent or minimize further structural damage to the ocular surface.