Comparison of Tear Film Instability in Dry Eye Patients in Summer and Winter
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i2.2064Keywords:
Appreciation, gender stereotyping, gender role development, encouragement, peer group interactions, and ridicule.Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disorder characterized by tear film loss, often overlapped by ocular allergy (OA). Both conditions can have a major effect on people’s standard of living. Topical treatments are advised for OA, but eye drop formulations may contain additional substances contributing to DED. Dry eyes as a result of decreased tear production, patients frequently suffer dryness, irritation, and a grainy feeling. To compare tear film instability in patients with dry eye disease during the summer and winter seasons. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 dry eye patients (64 in winter, 64 in summer) at the Ophthalmology Department, District Headquarter Hospital, Okara. Tear film stability and tear production were assessed using TBUT and Schirmer I tests and symptoms were evaluated with the OSDI questionnaire. Ambient temperature and humidity were recorded, and data were analysed using non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney U, Chi square) with p ≤0.005 considered significant. Tear film instability and dry eye symptoms were worse in winter than in summer, with lower TBUT (mean rank: 34.43 vs 94.57), lower Schirmer values (right eye: 94.84 vs 34.16), and higher OSDI scores (p<0.000). Winter conditions exacerbate dry eye, highlighting the impact of seasonal environmental factors.
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