Introduction: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is one of the most frequently encountered ocular conditions. Although clinical observation has long been suggested that DES is more common in women, particularly among older women, there are only few epidemiological studies which are available to describe the magnitude of the problem of DES among post-menopausal women especially in India.

Materials and Method: A total of 200 post-menopausal females attending the Out Patient Department were included in the study. All patients were given Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Diagnosis of dry eye in our study was made when two of the 3 tests are positive viz. Schirmer-I test (<10mm), Tear Film Break –Up Time (TBUT) (<10sec) and Ocular surface dye staining with Lissamine green dye (Van Bjisterveld’s score =4). 

Results: Prevalence of dry eye syndrome was high in this age group i.e. 44% (88/200 post-menopausal women(PMW). 49% (98 Post Menopausal Women) responded with symptoms of dry eye (OSDI score >12). Tear Film Break-Up Time test sensitivity was 97.6% and specificity was 92.36%. Lissamine Green dye staining was less sensitive but more specific test to diagnose dry eye syndrome (sensitivity of 33.6% and specificity of 98.91%). Schirmer I test has high sensitivity (91.2 %) and high specificity (96.36%). The positive predictive value was 91.94% and negative predictive value was 96.01%. All three tests were reliable in diagnosing dry eye as each had p value < 0.001. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction was present in 10%of Dry eye positive females.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of dry eye in post-menopausal females is responsible for significant morbidity..