Abstract
We investigated the association between dry eye disease and systemic comorbidities, including dry eye subtype, quality of life (QOL) and health utility among patients with dry eye disease. This cross-sectional, observational study enrolled 449 patients with dry eye disease (386 females; mean age, 62.6 ± 15.7 [range, 21–90] years). Ophthalmic examination findings included tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I value and keratoconjunctival staining score. QOL and health utility were evaluated using the Dry Eye-Related Quality-of-Life Score (DEQS) and Human Utility Index Mark 3 (HUI-3), respectively. Background information, including systemic comorbidities, was obtained. Prevalence of systemic comorbidities was 48.8% (219/449). No significant difference occurred between DEQS and systemic comorbidity. However, patients with dry eye disease and systemic comorbidities (depression and insomnia) exhibited significantly worse ocular surface parameters, particularly regarding TBUT, than those without. Dry eye disease with insomnia or depression comorbidity significantly correlated with friction-related diseases (including conjunctivochalasis or lid wiper epitheliopathy). A high prevalence of several systemic comorbidities occurred in patients with dry eye disease. This study shows an association between ocular signs and systemic comorbidities, particularly depression and insomnia. Ophthalmologists should be aware of patients’ systemic comorbidities in the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease.
Highlights
Dry eye disease is a common disease caused by numerous factors including ocular surface problems, environmental factors such as humidity and wind, and systemic conditions
We investigated the relationship between the severity of dry eye disease and systemic comorbidities
We found that patients with dry eye disease and any systemic comorbidity exhibited significantly worse utility, as estimated by Human Utility Index Mark 3 (HUI-3), than those without
Summary
Dry eye disease is a common disease caused by numerous factors including ocular surface problems, environmental factors such as humidity and wind, and systemic conditions. A variety of systemic medications can induce dry eye disease [1,2,3,4] It is widely recognized as an ocular surface disease, associated systemic conditions are not negligible, as they can negatively impact ocular health. Such systemic conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin A deficiency, bone marrow transplantation and postmenopausal estrogen therapy. Besides these causal relationships, epidemiological studies have reported the association of dry eye disease with systemic diseases, including ischemic heart disease and hyperlipidemia. These findings from statistical approaches and epidemiological studies should be carefully interpreted, as dry eye disease is a common disease and the elderly tend to be affected by multiple comorbidities
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
