BACKGROUND:The information about dry eye epidemiology in Saudi Arabia is few in literature.PURPOSE:To estimate the prevalence and identify determinants of dry eye symptoms (DES) in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.METHODS:Using a multi-stage proportionate sampling technique, Saudis of both genders from 6 urban and 4 rural Primary Health Care centers in Al-Ahsa were enrolled. They were interviewed to gather data on sociodemography, symptoms of dry eye, factors potentially related to dry eye, and chronic comorbidities. If one or more of DESs present often or constantly, we labeled the person with DES.RESULTS:We examined 1858 Saudi adults with mean age of 39.3 ± 14.1 years. The age-adjusted prevalence of DES was 32.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 30.0–34.3). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.7–2.6), older age (>56 years; aOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.1), current smoking (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.8) and history of diabetes mellitus (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2–2.0) were significantly associated with DES. Nonsignificant variables included residence (urban/rural); work status; wearing contact lenses; multivitamin use; caffeine use; history of trachoma, hypertension, bronchial asthma, coronary artery disease, thyroid disease, arthritis, hemolytic blood diseases (sickle cell-thalassemia), gout, and osteoporosis.CONCLUSION:DES are highly prevalent among the adult population of Al-Ahsa. Females, persons more than 55 years of age, smokers and diabetics were associated to DES.

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Tumors of the salivary gland constitute a heterogeneous group of variable histological and biological behaviors. Patients with salivary gland tumors typically present with painless swelling. However, several neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathologies can result in salivary gland enlargement. We report the case of a 35-year-old woman complaining of a left neck swelling for 3 months duration. She had no relevant past medical or surgical history. On examination, there was a left submandibular swelling that was firm in consistency, non-tender, non-pulsatile, relatively mobile, and was not tethered to the underlying structures. Otherwise, examination of the head and neck was unremarkable. A CT scan of the neck revealed a welldefined hypodense lesion in the left submandibular region with foci of calcification along with multiple enlarged lymph nodes. After surgical exploration, the submandibular gland region, a mass lesion was found arising from the submandibular gland. Histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Salivary gland schwannoma is a very rare form of neurogenic tumor. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice; however, neural deficits are important and common postoperative complications.