PREVALENCE OF DRY EYE DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was to evaluate the prevalence of dry eye disease in patients
with different type of allergic conjunctivitis.
Methods: A detailed history of demographic characteristics, onset, duration, and progression
of ocular symptoms, past and personal history, treatment history and clinical findings were
taken to all allergic conjunctivitis patients. The patients of AC were divided into SAC
(seasonal allergic conjunctivitis), PAC (perennial allergic conjunctivitis), and VKC (vernal
keratoconjunctivitis). Diagnosis of dry eye diseases (DED) in all the diagnosed cases of AC
was made based on Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, TFBUT, and
Schirmer’s test.
Results: A total of 100 diagnosed cases of AC was enrolled. Mean age of male and female
cases were 29.76 ± 18.56 years and 17.87 ± 12.32 years respectively. (55%) patients had
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis (SAC). 24% patients had Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis
(PAC). And 21% cases had Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Mild, moderate, and severe
cases of allergic conjunctivitis were 24%, 18% and 29% respectively. Mean of OSDI score of
PAC cases (27.28±13.45) was higher as compared to SAC (24.76± 11.98) and VKC cases
(12.56±7.42). Similarly, mean of TFBUT score was higher in SAC cases (16.12± 6.54) as
compared to PAC (14.45±7.21) and VKC cases (13.87±5.67). And the mean of Schirmers score
as much more higher in VKC cases (23.12±12.76) as compared to PAC (15.54±9.76) and SAC
cases (11.86± 6.47).
Conclusions: Male population were preponderance to allergic conjunctivitis. Prevalence of
dry eye disease is more associated with PAC than SAC and VKC. Hence, we should properly
examine allergic conjunctivitis eye for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of dry eye disease.