Article
Is dry eye iatrogenic or civilization disease?
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Authors
Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
Text
Objective
The dry eye is a condition associated with decreased production or increased evaporation of tears.The disease can be result of ocular or systemic disorder. Very often it is a consequence of systemic or topical treatement.
Methods
Clinical epidemiogical study and population based analysis were conducted with the use of several diagnostic methods.
Results
67% of people seeking eye care in an outpatient office (for a period of 18 months) have any tear insuficiency. Sceening study for general population demonstrates dry eye prevalence of 11%. The diagnostic value of applied questionaire is compared with data of objective eye exam. An attempt to grade the severity of the condition as a result of this combined approach was performed. The role of environmental factors and systemic medication use was analyzed.
Conclusions
Our observations emphasize the clinical importance of this widely distributed condition. The dry eye exam should be included in diagnostic evaluation of different red eye conditions and management of wide spectrum of ocular surface diseases.