Prevalence of dry eye in children attending a tertiary care hospital: A clinical study

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) has traditionally been studied in adults, where prevalence ranges between 5% and 50% depending on diagnostic methods and population factors. Pediatric DED always remains underrecognized due to diagnostic challenges and lack of standardized tools, despite increasing evidence that changing lifestyle patterns, particularly excessive digital screen use and reduced outdoor activity, contribute to its rising occurrence in children. For better understanding of the prevalence and severity of pediatric DED is essential to guide timely diagnosis, management, and preventive strategies.Aim and Objective: To determine the hospital-based prevalence and severity of pediatric dry eye disease (DED).Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric eye department of a tertiary eye hospital. Children suffering with ocular complaints underwent detailed history-taking, comprehensive eye examination, and dry eye testing according to DEWS II guidelines. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was assessed for feasibility but excluded from analysis due to limited applicability in children.Results: A total of 424 children were examined. After analysis, the total prevalence of DED was 36.0% (n = 153), while 64.0% (n = 271) had normal ocular surface status. In total DED cases, 16.1% (n = 68) were mild, 8.1% (n = 34) moderate, and 5.0% (n = 21) severe.Conclusion: In conclusion, it was found that the pediatric DED was identified in more than one-third of children attending tertiary eye care, with a substantial proportion showing moderate-to-severe disease. Early recognition and development of child-friendly diagnostic tools, such as a modified OSDI, are crucial for improved clinical care and future research.