ANALYSIS OF BASAL TEAR PRODUCTION IN EYE PATIENTS ATTENDING THE EYE CLINIC OF THE BSUTH, MAKURDI, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Chaha K; Okwori O; Utoo LA; Antiev ET

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

ANALYSIS OF BASAL TEAR PRODUCTION IN EYE PATIENTS ATTENDING THE EYE CLINIC OF THE BSUTH, MAKURDI, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Chaha K, Okwori O, Utoo La, Antiev Et

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: The tear fluids provide the cornea with nourishment and smooth optical surface for ideal visual function. Patients’ demographics, internal and external factors can have influence on the tear secretions. AIM: To analyse the demographics of tear secretion in Benue State residents attending the eye clinic at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective study of one hundred patients resident in Benue State who attended the eye clinic of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi between March 2018 and July 2018. All cases had their levels of tear production measured using the modified Schirmer’s Test 1 method. Analyses were carried out along the lines of the patient’s demographics. RESULTS: In our study, 51 cases were males and 49 were females. The mean tear secretions for both sexes were 19.5mm and 21.8mm in the male and females respectively. 95% and 89% of the right and left eyes respectively, had normal tear secretions. CONCLUSION: Our study does not appear to be in consonance with most studies elsewhere. For instance, there is fairly normal tear secretion in all sexes and ages as against most other studies elsewhere.