Objective Signs versus Subjective Disease Index in Dry Eye Disease.

Abstract

To compare the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire with objective tests in dry eye disease. A prospective observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkiye, from 9th June to 31st December 2022. All clinically diagnosed 323 eyes of patients with dry eye disease (DED) were included. The subjects were evaluated by the Oxford classification of corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, Schirmer I test, and fluorescein tear breakup time (TBUT). Symptoms of the patients were interpreted with OSDI and correlations of symptoms and objective markers were analysed. There was no significant association between any objective signs (Schirmer I, TBUT, and Oxford), and OSDI (p = 0.26, 0.52, 0.18, and respectively). Schirmer I score showed a significant positive correlation with TBUT (p <0.001, r = 0.21) and a significant negative correlation with Oxford scale (p <0.001, r = -0.19). There was a statistically negative correlation between TBUT and Oxford scale (p <0.001, r = -0.37). Except for the Schirmer test, TBUT and Oxford scale are effective tools in the diagnosis of DED. Symptom markers, such as OSDI may have lower reliability in diagnosing DED and determining its severity. Diagnostic tests are important in the detection of asymptomatic or less severe dry eye disease that can be ignored. Dry eye disease, Diagnosis, Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Tear breakup time (TBUT), Oxford grading scale, Schirmer I test.