Epidemiology of Dry Eye Disease in Adult Outpatients in Bihar: A Prospective Study Assessing Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disorder characterized by tear film instability, ocular discomfort, and
visual disturbances. Globally, it is a common cause of ophthalmology outpatient visits, but regional epidemiological data from Bihar are limited.
Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for early detection and management.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of dry eye disease and identify associated demographic, occupational, and systemic risk factors among adult
outpatients attending Anmmch Gaya , Bihar.
Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted over nine months in the ophthalmology outpatient department of Anmmch
Gayaji. Adult patients (≥18 years) were randomly selected, excluding those with recent ocular surgery, active ocular infections, systemic
autoimmune disease, or incomplete data. Dry eye evaluation included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear film break-up
time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, and corneal/conjunctival staining.
Results: Out of 430 participants, 144 (33.5%) were diagnosed with DED. Prevalence was higher in females (39.1%) and individuals aged >50
years (41.3%). Independent risk factors included female sex, age >50 years, prolonged visual display terminal use, and diabetes mellitus. Tear
film instability (TBUT <10 seconds) was the most common objective finding (81.9%).
Conclusion: DED is highly prevalent among adult outpatients in Bihar. Early recognition, risk factor modification, and targeted preventive
strategies are essential to reduce symptom burden and ocular surface morbidity.