AIM: To discuss the clinical features of dry eye in diabetics according to the comprehensive analysis of clinical symptoms and the clinical index on dry eye in diabetics and non-diabetics.

METHODS: Ninety patients with dry eye were collected from Jun.2014 to Feb.2016 in our hospital. A total of 45 cases of patients(90 eyes)with dry eye in diabetics and 45 cases of patients(90 eyes)with dry eye in non-diabetics were included. Patients in the two groups were provided with questionnaire survey of ocular surface disease index scale Chinese Version(COSDI). And tear break-up time(BUT), Schirmer Ⅰ test(Schirmer Ⅰ), corneal fluorescein staining(FL)were measured.

RESULTS:The OSDI index of dry eye in the diabetic group(46.88±18.51)was higher than that in the non-diabetic group(39.76±13.62). The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The corneal fluorescein staining score(1.57±1.33)in the diabetic group was higher than that in the non-diabetic group(1.19±0.82). The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The value of Schirmer Ⅰ test in the diabetic group(4.30±1.80)was lower than that in the non-diabetic group(4.80±1.52). The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The different value of BUT between two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Based on symptoms, tear secretion and corneal epithelial defects, the influence is more serious inthe diabetic group than that in the non-diabetic group. Eye screening in patients with diabetes mellitus should include dry eye related clinical indexes of examination. So the patients with dry eye in diabetics would be provided timely and effective suggestion and treatment. The symptoms of dry eye and the quality of life would be improved.