Assessing the Dry Eye Prevalence in Smog-Affected Areas, Gullberg Town, Lahore City

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the main consequences associated with the state of ocular health, particularly when air pollution is high in urban areas. The proposed research question is to explore and examine the frequency and intensity of DED in the community of Gulberg Town, Lahore, a heavily populated region, and one with significant air quality problems, especially when it comes to the winter smog. The data were gathered using a cross-sectional descriptive research design, where 384 participants were involved in four areas of marketplaces, hospitals, universities, and schools. Those subjects filled the questionnaire of McMonnies Dry Eye that determined the demographic factors, the ocular history, the frequency of the symptoms, and the exposure to the environment. The findings indicate that DED is quite prevalent (51%), and the prevalence rates are highest in the age group of 46-60 years (40%), and females (55%). The analysis based on sector showed that the prevalence was the highest in healthcare settings (58%), which emphasizes the effects of occupational exposure. Among the major findings, it is possible to note that age, gender, and environmental exposure are critical factors in DED prevalence. The research suggests that interventions in the form of awareness, increased air quality policies, and workplace interventions should be applied to the study population to reduce the effect of smog on ocular health. The results are informative in terms of the public health side of the air pollution issue especially in the developing urban contexts.

Affiliated Institutions

• University of Sierra Leone SL
• University of Peshawar PK

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