Prevalence of Chronic Dacryocystitis at the Teaching Eye Hospital in 1402

Abstract

Background: Chronic dacryocystitis is a persistent inflammation of the lacrimal sac, usually caused by obstruction and infection of the nasolacrimal duct. It commonly presents with epiphora and mucopurulent discharge, especially in women and older adults.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of chronic dacryocystitis according to age, gender, and laterality among patients attending a teaching eye hospital.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted using medical records of patients who attended Kadri Eye Hospital in 2023. A census sampling method was applied, including all diagnosed cases of chronic dacryocystitis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Out of 26,000 patients, 153 cases of chronic dacryocystitis were identified (prevalence: 0.59%). The highest frequency was observed in the fifth decade of life (26.8%), followed by the third decade (23.5%). Females were more commonly affected (73%) compared to males (27%), showing a statistically significant association (p < 0.05). The left eye was more frequently involved (40.5%) compared to the right eye (32.7%), while bilateral involvement was seen in 26.8% of cases.

Conclusion: Chronic dacryocystitis showed a prevalence of 0.59% in this study, with higher occurrence among females and middle-aged individuals. Significant associations were observed between gender and disease occurrence.