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Comparative Study of Pediatric Dry Eye in a Tertiary Care Hospital Among Children With and Without Ocular Infection
Astha Mishra1, Smita Singh1, Nitesh Pradhan2
1Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
Insights
Children with a history of eye infections have a higher prevalence and severity of dry eye disease. Previous ocular infections, like conjunctivitis, contribute to tear film instability and reduced tear production in school-aged children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Eye Care
- Dry Eye Disease Research
Background:
- Dry eye disease (DED) affects individuals of all ages, including children.
- Ocular infections are a potential risk factor for developing DED.
- Understanding DED prevalence in pediatric populations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and severity of dry eye disease in children aged 6 to 12 years.
- To investigate the impact of a history of ocular infections on DED in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A study screened 400 children aged 6-12 years at a pediatric eye clinic over six months.
- Data collection involved the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer I test.
- Children were assessed for DED, with a focus on comparing those with and without a history of ocular infections.
Main Results:
- Overall, 37% of participants were diagnosed with DED.
- Children with a history of ocular infections exhibited significantly lower tear film break-up time (TBUT) (6.3s ± 1.8s) compared to those without (8.9s ± 2.0s).
- The history of ocular infection group also showed significantly reduced Schirmer I test results (9.2mm ± 2.4mm) versus the no history group (13.1mm ± 2.7mm), with P < .001 for both.
Conclusions:
- Dry eye disease is prevalent in school-aged children, particularly those with prior ocular infections.
- Previous infections, including viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, are linked to tear film instability and decreased tear production.
- History of ocular infections is a significant factor associated with dry eye disease severity in children.
Purpose:
To compare the prevalence and severity of dry eye disease among children aged 6 to 12 years with and without a history of ocular infections.
Methods:
Children aged 6 to 12 years who came to the pediatric eye clinic were included. A total of 400 children were screened for dry eye over a 6-month study period. Consecutive sampling was used, meaning all eligible children who attended the Pediatric Ophthalmology outpatient department during this period were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by using the the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and the Schirmer I test.
Results:
Dry eye disease was diagnosed in 37% (n = 148) of the participants overall, and the diagnosed children with dry eye were divided into two groups (history of ocular infection and no history of ocular infection). The history of ocular infection group showed noticeably worse results on two key tests compared to the no history of ocular infection group. Their TBUT was significantly lower at 6.3 seconds (with a margin of ±1.8 seconds), and their Schirmer I test results were also reduced at 9.2 ± 2.4 mm. The no history of ocular infection group had TBUT values of 8.9 ± 2.0 seconds and Schirmer I readings of 13.1 ± 2.7 mm. Both of these differences were statistically significant (P < .001).
Conclusions:
Dry eye disease seems to be common among school-aged children, especially those who have had eye infections before. On analyzing previous infections, particularly viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, it appears that there are important factors contributing to problems such as unstable tear films and reduced tear production.
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