AbstractIntroduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading health problem all over the world. Dry eye syndrome (DES) is common in diabetes mellitus. The study was done to detect theprevalence of DES in type II diabetic patients and to determine the association of dry eyes with diabetic retinopathy. Methodology: Diabetic patients(n=200) attending Ophthalmology OPD at Khaja Bande Nawaz Institute of Medical Sciences (KBNIMS), Kalaburagi during the period fromApril to December 2017 were included in the study group, basedon the inclusion & exclusion criteria. Results: Our study showed that the prevalence of DES in diabetes was 51%, with higher rate in females and older age group. 33% of diabetic retinopathy patients had DES even though it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Since there exists an association between diabetes and DES, all diabetic patients should be screened for DES to prevent ocular surface damage.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Retinopathy; Dry Eye Syndrome (DES).