Dry Eye — A Clinical Study in a Hospital Based Population.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of dry eye based on dry eye symptoms attending the Department of Ophthalmology and Medicine, Tripura Medical College. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Tripura Medical College, Hapania, Agartala, from 1st December 2009 to 31st December 2010. Complete history and ocular examinations was recorded on a pre designed proforma in the Department of Ophthalmology. The diagnosis was made from history and objective dry eye test in the following sequence: tear meniscus height, tear break up time test,fluorescein staining, schirmer test, and rose Bengal staining. If 2 or more of the above test were positive, the patient was deemed to be suffering from dry eye. All patients were sent to the Dept. of Medicine for systemic examination and to rule out any systemic diseases. Results: In this study, total number of patients that presented with dry eye symptoms were 762 and among them dry eye was diagnosed in 403 patients. The Prevalence rate was 3.10% and it was highest in the age of more than 70 years of age. Females had higher prevalence (1.94%) than males (1.15%). Conclusion: The prevalence of dry eye is less in Tripura at around 3.10%. This may be due to the geographical and climatic implication with a high degree of humidity reigning in this region.

Staining of Lens Capsule with Trypan Blue for Capsulorrhexis in Eyes with White Cataract.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracameral 0.1% Trypan blue dye for staining the anterior lens capsule during cataract surgery. Methods: 110 Patients who underwent Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) and phacoemulsification for intumescent, mature or hypermature cataract in the Department of Ophthalmology, Tripura Medical College during the period of June 2009 to July 2010 were included in the study. Results: Satisfactory staining of the anterior lens capsule was seen in all cases with no major complications. Conclusion: Direct intracameral injection of trypan blue dye is an effective method for staining the anterior lens capsule during cataract surgery.