Correlation of Dry Eye Disease and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Based on Improved Symptoms With Combined Therapy

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between dry eye disease (DED) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) from the perspective of treatment response. Study DesignCross-sectional studies. SettingSetting: Analysis of data from patients with DED-related symptoms and LPR-related symptoms from May 2022 to January 2023 at AIER EYE HOSPITAL (HAINAN) Hospital. MethodsThe Ocular Surface Symptom Index (OSDI) scales and The Reflux Symptom Score (RSS)were investigated in patients attending China Aier Eye Hospital (Hainan) from May 2022 to January 2023, and OSDI scores >12 were categorized as dry eye disease (DED), and RSS scores >13 were categorized as suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (suspected LPR). Patients with DED and suspected LPR were randomly divided into three groups (Group A: 0.3% sodium vitreous acid drops and 1% cyclosporine A drops only; Group B: 0.3% sodium vitreous acid drops, 1% cyclosporine A drops, and Gastroflex tablets containing magnesium alginate and cimicifugal oil and esomeprazole; and Group C: Gastroflex tablets and esomeprazole only orally), and were reviewed after three months for the RSS and DED-related examinations. Result219 patients were enrolled. 191 DED-positive and 28 DED-negative patients, 84 suspected LPR-positive and 135 LPR-negative patients, and the OSDI scores of LPR patients were significantly higher than those of LPR-negative patients (P<0.001). Parameters related to DED and LPR were significantly lower in patients in Group B than in Groups A and C after treatment (P<0.001). ConclusionLPR and DED are closely related. For patients with both LPR and DED, treating LPR and DED at the same time may be a better option.