Contrast Sensitivity in people with Dry Eye Disease at Tertiary Eye Care Hospital

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effect of dry eye disease on contrast sensitivity and correlate contrast sensitivity with severity of dry eye disease.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Duration and Setting of the Study: This study was conducted from August-2019 to January-2020 in the Department of Ophthalmology Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.

Methods: Patients with visual complaints of dry eyes were selected by non-probability convenient sampling technique. All patients underwent evaluations for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Schirmer's test was used to assess the dry eyes. A dry eye measurement of less than 15 mm was considered to be indicative of Dry Eye Disease (DED). After the Schirmer's test contrast sensitivity were measured using a Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart. A Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire was used to ask about dry eye symptoms. Subjects scoring>5 are considered to be symptomatic.

Results: Forty-three participants (86 eyes) were enrolled in this study. Mean age was 35 (SD+14.22) years with 60% of them were male. The mean log contrast sensitivity was 1.67+ 0.16. Contrast sensitivity was found more reduced in eyes with mild DED as compared to the other grades. Mean contrast for mild DED was 1.66+0.17 P=0.95(>0.05). Mean log contrast sensitivity in asymptomatic subjects (n=09) was 1.70+ 0.18 and in symptomatic subjects (n=34) it was 1.67+ 0.16. (P. value=0.009).

Conclusion: Contrast sensitivity was reduced in people with dry eyes. However there was no statistically significant relation of contrast sensitivity with severity of dryness. A statistically significant relation was seen between reduced contrast sensitivity and symptomatic dry eyes.