Prevalence and Risk Factors of Severe Dry Eye in Bangladesh-Based Factory Garment Workers

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and the associated factors of severe dry eye symptoms (SDES) among garments worker of Gazipur, Bangladesh. We prospectively collected cross-sectional data for 1050 garments workers of a factory (70% response). All participants had an evaluation of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and a detailed ophthalmic examination including tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface fluorescein staining, and Schirmer’s I test. MGD grading was based on the viscosity/color and ease of manual expression of meibum. Mean age of participants was 35.5 ± 12.1 years; 53.8% were women. The prevalence of dry eye (OSDI > 12) was 64.2% (95% CI 61.2–67.1%). OSDI was not significantly different between sex or age-groups but associated with increasing MGD grade (p < 0.001), reduced TBUT (<5 s) [p < 0.001], and reduced Schirmer’s test (<5 mm) [p < 0.001]. Thirty-five percent had SDES (OSDI > 32). Using univariate logistic regressions, SDES was associated with older age (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.01, 95% Confidence Interval [1.005–1.03] per year increase) and male sex (OR 1.76, 95% CI:1.36–2.27). When adjusted for age and sex, SDES were strongly associated with increase in MGD severity grading (OR 188, 95% CI: 91–390). However, in multivariate regression, TBUT, but not MGD severity, became the only significant determinant of SDES (OR 13.0, 95% CI: 6.3–27.0, for every 1 s decrease in TBUT). MGD is common in garments workers, contributing to dry eye symptoms in addition to other tear parameters. Reduced tear stability is associated with SDES.

The global prevalence of dry eye disease: A Bayesian view

“…Next, a Scopus (http://scopus.com) literature search was conducted using the key words ‘Dry Eye’ and ‘Prevalence’ in the Article Title, Abstract and Keywords, to identify relevant studies published in the period after the TFOS DEWS II report, up to 4 January 2021. There were 25 of these, 13–15,42–63 making a total of 55 studies in the combined data set. The following information was then extracted from each study: Authorship and publication date Geographical region Diagnostic criteria Cohort ages Sex Reported prevalence Number with dry eye Total relevant population …”

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Disease in the South of Palestine

“…The obstruction of the meibomian gland was assessed by gently inspecting the eyelid margin with slit lamp biomicroscopy. Grading of MGDs ranged from 0 point to 4 points (Grade 0 exhibits clear meibum, Grade 1 exhibits coloured meibum with normal consistency, Grade 2 exhibits viscous meibum, Grade 3 exhibits inspissated meibum and Grade 4 exhibits a blocked meibomian gland) ( 26 ). The measurement of ML was carried out by moistening a LGS strip with non-preserved saline solution and soaking it in the lower fornix.…”

The Efficacy of Ocular Lubricants With 0.38% SH Gelling Ingredient and 0.18% SH Non-gelling Ingredient in Treating Dry Eye in Adult Gazan Participants

“…In order to determine whether the MG is blocked, a gentle depression of the inferior and eversion of the upper eyelid rims with a slit-lamp's illumination beam was carried out. The MGDs were graded from 0 to 4 points (Grade 0, clear meibum, Grade 1, colored meibum with normal consistency, Grade 2, viscous meibum, Grade 3, inspissated meibum, and Grade 4, blocked MG) [20]. By wetting a lissamine green strip in a drop of saline solution and touching it into the inferior fornix, ML was calculated.…”

“…The Arabic version of the OSDI questionnaire consists of 12 domains and was used to evaluate the dry eye symptoms. Arab-OSDI scores were divided into normal (0-12), mild (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22), moderate (23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32), and severe symptoms (33-100) [16]. Assessment clinical diagnostic tests of DED was carried out including TMH, MGDs, ML staining, conjunctival staining, STT II, BUT, and the CFS.…”