"CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO DRY EYE SYNDROME AMONG NORTH AFRICAN PATIENTS"
Published 2025 - 29th ESCRS Winter Meeting
Reference: PO235 | Type: Free Paper | DOI: 10.82333/01gr-pq16
Authors: Besma Ben Achour* 1 , Rania Farhat 1 , Atf Ben Abderrazek 1 , amine zahaf 1 , Ahmed Jabri 1 , Wassim Hmaied 1
1ophthalmology,internal forces security hospital,la marsa,Tunisia
Purpose
Introduction: Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease characterized by tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, and inflammation. This study aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of DES patients, with a focus on associated risk factors and their correlation with functional symptoms.
Setting
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 128 DES patients at the Ophthalmology Department of La Marsa.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 128 DES patients at the Ophthalmology Department of La Marsa. Each patient underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination and completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Diagnostic criteria were based on the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) DEWS II guidelines.
Results
The average age of patients was 60.6 years, with a notable female predominance (sex ratio: 0.6). Common symptoms included dry eye sensation (76.6%) and foreign body sensation (68%). Key clinical findings were Lid Parallel Conjunctival Folds (96.9%) and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (69.5%). Among the patients, 55.5% were classified as having severe DES, and 59.8% experienced severe symptoms per the OSDI. Significant correlations were found between clinical severity and factors such as advanced age (p=0.011), Sjögren’s syndrome (p=0.036), and autoimmune diseases (p=0.018).
Conclusion
DES involves a complex interplay of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, with limited correlation between symptoms and clinical signs. These findings highlight the need for personalized management strategies to address the diverse presentations of DES.