Proportion of dry eye in patients of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the proportion of patients having impaired tears production in a sample of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

MATERIALS and METHODS: Data was collected by self-designed proforma after taking consent from patient. Visual acuity of all diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients was assessed on Snellen visual acuity chart at 6m. The Schirmer test was performed.

RESULTS: The Schirmer test was performed to assess dry eye in patients of rheumatoid arthritis. The results showed that total 73 patients were assessed out of 73, 20(27.39%) were males and 53(72.60%) were females. out of 63 patients 15 (23.8%) people having age 20 to 30 years and 27%) have age 30 to 38 years old and remaining 31(49.2%) have age 38 to 55 yrs. Study shows 15(20.54%) patients have mild (9-14mm) Schirmer test value,18(24.65%) patients have moderate (4-8mm) Schirmer test value and 40(54.79%) patients have severe (<4mm) Schirmer test values. In this study (Friedman test, p-value 0.000) shows significant result which is less than 0.05, it describes the direct relationship of age with Schirmer test.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there is risk of dry eye in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

KEYWORDS: Dry eye in rheumatoid arthritis, dry eye syndrome, ocular surface changes in rheumatoid arthritis patients.