Background: To compare the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index), SIT (Schirmer I Test), FBUT (Fluorescein Break Up Time), and FLCS (Fluorescence Staining) scores of dry eye patients at various ages. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore from September 2020 to September 2021 and 90 eyes from 90 patients with mild to moderate dry eye were incorporated split into three groups: young (20-39 years, n = 29), middle-aged (40-59 years, n = 30), and elderly (> 60 years, n = 31). Patients received a 28-day course of local physical therapy along with topical medications that lubricated the ocular surface and encouraged repair. At 7, 14, and 28 days, patients were checked in. Examinations were done on the OSDI, SIT, FBUT, and FLCS scores. Results: The OSDI scores in three groups varied at each time point (all P 0.001); however, no group’s score varied across time points. A time effect was discovered (F = 80.87, P 0.001), and SIT were different between the three groups (F = 350.61, P 0.001). Middle-aged and elderly groups had lower SIT at 14 and 28 days’ post-treatment than young group (all P 0.001). SIT was lower in the elder group at 7, 14, and 28 days (all P 0.001). For all time points, the FLCS score was lower at 28 days (P 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with dry eyes are prescribed a 28-day course of topical medications that lubricate the ocular surface and promote corneal repair, along with local physical therapy. These medications have been shown to increase tear production, film stability, and corneal integrity. Age has an impact on how mild to modest dry eye is treated, with tear secretion being the most crucial component.
Keywords: Age, dry eye Index of ocular surface illness, Schirmer I examination, Breakup time of fluorescein, Corneal fluorescence darkening index