The Significance of Clinical Symptoms in Dry Eye Patients and Statistical Analysis of the Patiants

ABSTRACT

From April 1 to July 30, 1989, we studied 188 subjects(male 25, female 163) with suspected dry eye based on their clinical symptoms and their response to conventional treatment with artificial tear. Schirmer Test and Tear break-up time measurement(B.U.T.) were performed on each patient. There have been many reports that Schirmer test and B.U.T. measurement can be influenced by many enviromental factors and testing methods so the question of their relative value has not yet been sloved. the purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of clinical symptoms and signs in diagnosing dry eye. Demographic aspect of dry eye patients in Korea was also analysed. The results were as follows: 1. The sex distribution was 163 females(87%) and 25 males(13%). There were absolutely more females than males. 2. The ages ranged from 15 to 83 years old. The peak age was from 41 to 50 years(29%). 3. Among 163 female patients, the majority 103(63%) were menopausal and postmenopausal females. 4. Among major chief clinical complaints, foreign body sensation showed the highest frequency with 67 patients(35%). 5. Major aggravating factor of the disese was prolonged use of eye which showed highest frequency with 122 patients(65%). 6. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean value of BU.T. and Schirmer test between right left eye(p<0.05). 7. In the majority of the cases 153(82%) the B.U.T. and Schirmer test value were 8 sec and 8mm or below respectively.