Pediatric dry eye: A hospital-based study

Snehal Thakre ¹, Vaishnavi Wankhede , Pradnya Deshmukh

⁰Department of Ophthalmology, MGM Medical College and Hospital, (A Constituent Unit of MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai), Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology +

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November 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Dry eye disease (DED) affects 7.60% of pediatric patients, with evaporative DED linked to allergic conjunctivitis and digital device use. This highlights the need to consider DED in children with eye complaints.

Area Of Science

Ophthalmology
Pediatric Health
Ocular Surface Disease

Background

Dry eye disease (DED) is increasingly recognized in pediatric populations.
Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for DED in children is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose Of The Study

To determine the hospital-based prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in children aged 4 to 18 years.
To identify associated risk factors contributing to DED in this pediatric cohort.

Main Methods

A prospective observational case series involved 1,420 pediatric patients at a tertiary care center.
Screening included questionnaires and diagnostic tests like OSDI, Schirmer's test, and TBUT.
Comprehensive ocular examinations were performed for diagnosis.

Main Results

The prevalence of confirmed DED was 7.60% (108 out of 1420 children).
Key associations included seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (63.88%) and prolonged digital device use (smartphones, TV).
Evaporative DED was the predominant type (92.59%).

Conclusions

Dry eye disease (DED) should be considered in pediatric patients with nonspecific ocular symptoms.
Allergic conjunctivitis and extensive use of digital screens are significant risk factors for evaporative DED in children.

Keywords:

Aqueous dry eye disease evaporative pediatric