An Age Based Differential Response of Dry Eye Disease on Topical Lubrication

Asif Mashood Qazi, Shahid Hussain Shah, Muhammad Moeez Uddin, Fayaz Ahmed and Abdul Sattar

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index), SIT (Schirmer I Test), FBUT (Fluorescein Break Up Time), and FLCS (Fluorescence Staining) scores of dry eye patients at various ages.

Study Design: A randomized controlled trial study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital Karachi from February 2023 to January 2024.

Methods: 90 eyes from 90 patients with mild to moderate dry eye were incorporated & split into three groups: young (20-39 years, n = 29), middle-aged (40-59 years, n = 30), and elderly (> 60 years, n = 31). Patients received a 28-day course of topical medications that lubricated the ocular surface and encouraged repair. At 7, 14, and 28 days, patients were checked in. Examinations were done on the OSDI, SIT, FBUT, and FLCS scores.

Results: The OSDI scores in three groups varied at each time point (all P 0.001); however, no group's score varied across time points. A time effect was discovered (F = 80.87, P 0.001), and SIT were different between the three groups (F = 350.61, P 0.001). Middle-aged and elderly groups had lower SIT at 14 and 28 days’ post-treatment than young group (all P 0.001). SIT was lower in the elder group at 7, 14, and 28 days (all P 0.001). For all time points, the FLCS score was lower at 28 days (P 0.001).

Conclusion: Patients with dry eyes are prescribed a 28-day course of topical medications that lubricate the ocular surface and promote corneal repair. These medications have been shown to increase tear production, film stability, and corneal integrity. Age has an impact on how mild to moderate dry eye is treated, with tear secretion being the most crucial component.

Key Words: Age, dry eye Index of ocular surface illness, Schirmer I examination, Breakup time of fluorescein, Corneal fluorescence darkening index

Citation of article: Qazi AM, Shah SH, Moeez Uddin M, Ahmed F, Sattar A, An Age Based Differential Response of Dry Eye Disease on Topical Lubrication. Med Forum 2024;35(10):78-83. doi:10.60110/medforum.351018.