Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease in a Rural Niger Delta Community, Southern Nigeria

Background: Dry Eye Disease (DED) or Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is the fast growing public health problem characterized by deficiency in the quantity and/or quality of tear film due to tear deficiency or excessive tear evaporation. It negatively affects the health and the quality of life of individuals. Although dry eye is a common eye disease world-wide, many people are undiagnosed and untreated especially in underdeveloped countries. Aim: To determine the prevalence of dry eye disease in Aluu community. Methods: The cross-sectional, population-based study from 16 to 18 June 2016. Participants were members and residents of the community who consented to ocular examinations. Ocular examinations including Schimer’s test were carried out. Data were entered into a spread sheet using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 16.0 statistical software and subsequently analysed. Results: Seven hundred and thirty persons (210 males and 520 females) participated in the study. The mean age was 34.2 ± 12.4 years. The prevalence of Dry Eye Disease in this study was 27.4%. Over 72% of the study population had normal Schimer’s test 95% CI [15.0 15.2], 18.4% had mild dry eye syndrome 95% CI [10.1 10.7], 6.8% had moderate dry eye syndrome test 95% CI [5.5 7.6] while 2.2% had severe dry eye syndrome test 95% CI [3.0 3.8]. Conclusion: The prevalence of dry eye disease in Aluu community is high. It is therefore, advocated special eye healthcare intervention by governments and non-governmental agencies be extended to this rural Niger Delta community.