The effect of OSAS risk, excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia severity and sleep quality on dry eye syndrome

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sleep disturbances and dry eye syndrome (DES). 201 patients with DES were included in this study. Tear fluid break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer I tests were performed. Patients with DES filled out Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. The respondents completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the STOP-Bang questionnaire. OSDI, PSQI, ISI and ESS were recorded and compared within DES severity. The study population consisted of 87.6% (n = 176) female with age 52.33 ± 14.49 (18–80) years. The total ESS score was significantly correlated with the OSDI score (p = 0.045), although the ESS total score was not statistically correlated with the Schirmer I test and TBUT test scores (p = 0.239, p = 0.463). A positive correlation was identified between the total ISI score and the OSDI score (p = 0.001). The total ISI score was negatively correlated with the Schirmer I test and TBUT test scores (p = 0.003, p = 0.001). The total PSQI score was positively correlated with the OSDI score (p < 0.0001), and the total PSQI score was negatively correlated with the Schirmer I test and TBUT test scores (both p < 0.0001). The total STOP-Bang score was not statistically correlated with the OSDI score, or the Schirmer I test and TBUT test scores (p = 0.105, p = 0.399, p = 0.061, respectively). A relationship was found between DES and sleep disorders based on subjective questionnaires. Our finding suggests that the treatment of DES and sleep disorders with a multidisciplinary approach will lead to an increase in the quality of life of patients.