A Hospital Based Study on the Attributable Risk Factors of Dry Eye

Abstract Aim. This study investigated the prevalence and major risk factors of DED among patients in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 outpatients aged ≥20 years at the Eye Department of Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City. Socio-demographic data were collected, and DED was assessed subjectively using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and objectively with Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer’s test. Diagnosis was made when OSDI ≥35 was combined with either TBUT <10 seconds or Schirmer’s test <10 mm. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with associations evaluated at a 5% significance level. Results The prevalence of DED was 26.5%. The highest proportion of cases occurred in the 50–59 age group (28.3%). Females were more affected than males (2.6:1). Environmental and lifestyle exposures, including smoking and combined exposure to dust, sun, and smoke, showed significant associations with DED (p < 0.05). Urban residence accounted for most cases (81.1%) but was not statistically significant. Systemic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes were not significantly associated with DED (p = 0.147). Conclusion DED is prevalent in this Nigerian population, particularly among middle-aged and postmenopausal women. Modifiable exposures contribute significantly to risk, underscoring the need for preventive strategies and targeted interventions.