Prevalencia del síndrome de ojo seco en la población atendida por consulta externa de oftalmología en el Hospital Naval Sur de Guayaquil, 2017-2024.

Abstract

Introduction: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disorder of the tear film that causes eye symptoms and visual impairment. Globally, its prevalence varies between 5% and 50%, with the main risk factors being advanced age and female gender. Objective: To determine the prevalence of DSS in outpatients at the Ophthalmology Department of the Hospital Naval Sur in Guayaquil (2017–2024). Methodology: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study in patients ≥18 years of age with diagnostic tests for dry eye (Schirmer ≤10 mm/5 min or TBUT <10 s) and OSDI questionnaire ≥13. Results: During 2017–2024, the Southern Naval Hospital treated 29,156 patients in outpatient ophthalmology consultations, of whom 172 were clinically confirmed cases of dry eye syndrome, with a cumulative prevalence of 0.59% and a progressive increase from 0.1% in 2017–2018 to 1.58% in 2024. Most cases were in women (73.3%) and were concentrated in the fifth and sixth decades of life, accounting for about 80% of patients between the ages of 40 and 69. According to military status, retirees and their relatives accounted for 73% of cases, with an emphasis on spouses of retired military personnel (52.9%), while active military personnel accounted for 26.1% and civilians 0.6%. Conclusions: The prevalence found was low, suggesting underdiagnosis. The risk profile was consistent with the literature: postmenopausal women and older adults were the most affected. Screening in this group and education on environmental factors are recommended.