Hospital based study of prevalence of dry eye in post-menopausal women

Dry eye, an ocular surface disorder occurring due to deficiency of tear film is common amongst post-menopausal women. Various previous studies have shown some form of meibomian gland dysfunction in post-menopausal women having dry eyes. Further research is needed to understand prevalence of dry eyes in this group of patients, its severity and associated risk factors.

Cross-sectional study was carried out on 300 post-menopausal women for diagnoses of dry eye based on schirmer's test Grading of dry eye was done according to drew's classification. Detailed history was taken from the patient on a predesigned format & relevant ocular examination was done.

96 of the 300 post-menopausal women visiting our hospital, who were included in our study, were found to have dry eyes that is 32% prevalence. Age adjusted prevalence was more for older women. Symptoms of dry eye commonly seen in these women were of dryness, crusting, redness, grittiness & burning. Of the 32% women having dry eyes, 21% had mild, 8% moderate and 3% severe dry eyes.

Dry eye & its symptoms may be left unnoticed for years in post-menopausal women. Dry eye is a highly undiagnosed disorder in these women and therefore regular eye checkup of all such women should be done. Higher age group post-menopausal women are more susceptible to it.