Abstract

Study design: Prospective study
Purpose: Study the prevalence and severity of DED in perimenopausal women
Methods: 126 females were categorized into 3 sub-groups based on age and menstrual history (A:18-44 yrs, B: 45-54 yrs, C:>55 yrs ) and subjected to OSDI questionnaire, Schirmer's test and ocular surface analyzer. DED was diagnosed by OSDI score ≥13 and either Schirmer’s test <10 or NiTBUT <10 in any eye
Results: DED was seen in 63 subjects (50%) (GrA:12.6%, GrB:49.2%, Gr C:38.1%). The mean OSDI scoring was higher in Gr B and C vs GrA ( p<.0001). Overall, 84.13% had a mild form of DED. Mean Schirmers value and NiTBUT were lowest in Gr C and B respectively. Among all parameters, OSDI score & meibomian gland dropout were significantly low in GrA vs GrB & GrA vs GrC. Gr B and Gr C had significantly lower estradiol and testosterone levels (p<0.0001)
Conclusion: The prevalence of DED was more in Group B (49.2%). There was a significant association of estradiol and testosterone with DED