Prevalence Of Dry Eye Disease Research Articles

Prevalence and Correlates of Dry Eye in a German Population Sample.

In this cross-sectional survey, we assessed the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in a representative German population sample. In addition, we examined the associations between DED, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and level of fatigue. Finally, we further validated the German version of the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire and present norm data of the German population. A random sample of German residents aged 16 years and older was recruited between October and December 2021. All participants completed the SPEED, Short Form 36, and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20 questionnaires. Of the 2495 participants who completed the survey, 450 (21.6%; 95% confidence intervals 20.0-23.1) reported a SPEED total score of ≥4, indicating a positive screening for DED. DED was significantly more common in women and older age. Participants who screened positive for DED reported significantly higher levels of fatigue and lower values in all domains of HRQoL. A receiver operating characteristic curve of the SPEED was generated using an ophthalmologist's diagnosis. The area under the curve was estimated to be 0.886 (95% confidence intervals 0.858-0.913). A cutoff score ≥4 seemed to be appropriate as an indicator of DED. Cronbach's α was excellent (0.95). DED is common in the German population. We confirmed associations with sex, age, HRQoL, and fatigue level, indicating a high burden of DED. The German version of the SPEED is a valid instrument for the assessment of DED symptoms.

Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease in Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis Candidates

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) candidates. Methods: A chart review of consecutive LASIK candidates who underwent full ocular surface work-up was performed, including ocular surface disease index (OSDI), noninvasive tests (noninvasive tear breakup time [ni-TBUT], tear meniscus height, lipid layer thickness, and meibography), and invasive tests (Schirmer test I, fluorescein TBUT, corneal staining, and meibomian gland [MG] expressibility). The prevalence of DED was calculated according to the Dry Eye Workshop II (DEWS II), and Japanese and Asia Dry Eye Society (JDES/ADES) criteria. Results: In total, 135 patients (270 eyes) were evaluated. The mean age was 32.6±8.3 years, and 62.9% were women (n=85); 19 patients (15.4%) wore contact lenses, and 31 patients (23.8%) used artificial tears. The mean OSDI was 18.2±16.9, which was abnormal in 54.1% (n=62). Inferior lid MG dropout was the sign with the highest percentage of abnormal results (61.5%; n=83). There were no differences between men and women in any test except for ni-TBUT (6.3±0.3 and 7.2±0.2, respectively; P=0.002). Dry eye disease prevalence was 25.9% and 53.3%, according to JDES/ADES and DEWS II criteria, respectively. The only significant risk factor for DED was artificial tear use for both DEWS II (odds ratio [OR]=3.5, confidence interval [CI] [1.35–9.39]) and JDES/ADES (OR=2.58, CI [1.03–6.48]). Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence of DED and abnormalities in LASIK candidates and highlights the importance of ocular surface evaluation before photorefractive surgery.

Dry Eye Disease Prevalence and Risk Factors in Eye Outdoor Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Center: A Prospective Observational Study

Dry Eye Disease Prevalence and Risk Factors in Eye Outdoor Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Center: A Prospective Observational Study

Prevalence of dry eye disease among IT students in Pakistan.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common tear film disorder caused by decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. The increased use of computers in the workplace has brought about the development of ocular health concerns, including dry eye disease. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of DED associated with computer work and recommend preventing or reducing its development. This study investigated the prevalence of DED among IT students in Dera Ghazi Khan. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 327 undergraduate students of the IT department in the district of Dera Ghazi khan over 5months from September 2021 to January 2022. DED was assessed subjectively with Ocular Surface Disease Index. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. The quantitative analysis was presented as mean and standard deviation, and qualitative variables were introduced in frequency and percentages. The chi-square test (Fisher's exact test) was used to study the significance of associations between dependent and independent variables. The mean age of the participants was 20.25 ± 1.305years (range 17-25). The prevalence of DED among computer programmers was 47.7%. This study showed that gender (p = 0.31), contact lens usage (p = 0.64), and duration of time spent on computer display units (p = 0.47) were not significant determinants of DED among computer programmers. DED is prevalent among IT students, along with different symptoms. However, further studies are required to adequately measure the prevalence of DED during longer exposure time to computer screens and explore environmental risk factors.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Disease in the South of Palestine.

The prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) is rising globally and needs to be urgently addressed by medical professionals because it lowers patients' quality of life. There are as yet no available data in the literature about the prevalence of and risk factors for DED in the Gaza Strip, a gap that the present study seeks to address. A cross-sectional study was carried out between March and August 2022 in Gaza governorates using a proportional stratified sampling technique. Only Gazan individuals ≥ 18 years old and able to follow the instructions were included. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, which has previously been translated into Arabic and validated, was applied to evaluate DED symptoms. Subjective clinical tests for DED conducted were tear meniscus height (TMH), meibomian gland dysfunctions (MGDs), Marx line (ML), conjunctival Lissamine green staining (LGS), tear film break-up time test (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) and Schirmer II tear test (STT). DED was defined based on an Arab-OSDI score ≥ 13 and at least one positive clinical sign. A total of 426 participants were assessed from four areas (North Gaza Strip, 82; Gaza City, 147; Mid-Zone Gaza Strip, 62; South Gaza Strip, 135). The prevalence of DED in the present study was 31.5% (95% CI: 27.1, 36.1). Age > 50 years old (odds ratio [OR] = 10.45; 95% CI: 2.95, 37.05; P < 0.001), female gender (OR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.40, 7.52, P = 0.006), menopause or pregnancy (OR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.25, 5.35; P = 0.03) and pharmacotherapy (artificial tears; OR = 9.91; 95% CI: 2.77, 35.46; P < 0.001) were each associated with DED symptoms. South Gaza Strip (OR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.12; P < 0.001), unemployed (OR = 11.67; 95% CI: 1.43, 95.44; P = 0.02), non-consumption of caffeine (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.88; P = 0.02) and TMH < 0.2 (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.19; P = 0.04) were associated with TBUT < 5 s. LGS was associated with those > 50 years old (OR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.38, 5.28; P = 0.004), previous refractive or ocular surface surgeries (OR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.34, 6.59; P = 0.008) and CFS ≥ 1 (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.07, 3.44; P = 0.03). Various aspects of DED were linked with different risk factors, suggesting that DED subtypes have different underlying pathophysiologies.

Demographic and Psychiatric Associations With Dry Eye in a Medicare Population.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of demographic characteristics and psychiatric comorbidity on the prevalence of dry eye disease in the American geriatric population. Data were collected from a 2011 nationwide sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older (N = 1,321,000). Age, sex, race/ethnicity, residential area, climate region, and income, along with psychiatric comorbidities including depression and anxiety, were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between demographic and psychiatric factors and the prevalence of dry eye disease. Among 21,059 patients with clinically significant dry eye, women had higher odds of having dry eye compared with men [odds ratio (OR) 2.03, 95% confidence interval (1.97-2.10)]. Asian and Native American patients had increased odds of having dry eye compared with White patients [OR 1.85 (1.69-2.02) and OR 1.51 (1.19-1.93)], while Black patients were less likely to have dry eye [OR 0.83 (0.79-0.87)]. Patients aged 75 to 84 years and 85+ were more likely to have dry eye compared with those aged 65 to 74 years [OR 1.49 (0.45-1.53) and OR 1.54 (1.48-1.60)]. Having both depression and anxiety were associated with higher odds of having dry eye [OR 2.38 (2.22-2.55)] compared with having depression alone [OR 1.95 (1.86-2.04)] or anxiety alone [OR 2.22 (2.10-2.35)]. Significant racial and regional disparities in dry eye prevalence were found. Psychiatric association with dry eye varied with age, sex, race, and residence region. Further research is needed to comprehend the underlying mechanisms, implications, and to address disparities in the diagnosis and management of dry eye.

Impact of Clinician Subjectivity on the Assessment of Dry Eye Disease Prevalence in a UK Public Health Care Patient Population.

To understand the impact of subjectivity on diagnosis rates of dry eye disease (DED) in an unbiased population. A multicenter study enrolled 818 subjects with complete report forms (465 females, 67.1 ± 16.7 years, 353 males, 65.0 ± 15.9 years). Subjects were evaluated for staining, TBUT, tear osmolarity, meibomian gland disease, and OSDI. Physicians diagnosed 48.7% of subjects as having DED, ranging from 42.9% to 62.3% between sites. Positivity rates for staining (≥ grade 1) ranged from 41.3% to 84.1% (mean = 0.8 ± 0.9 grade), TBUT (<10s) ranged from 39.1% to 61.6% (mean = 10.4 ± 6.6 seconds), osmolarity (>308 mOsm/L) ranged from 63.7% to 72.4% (mean = 319.7 ± 20.8), MGD grading ranged from 28.9% to 51.3% (mean = 0.5 ± 0.7), and symptoms measured by OSDI ranged from 57.6% to 71.0% (mean = 23.5 ± 20.5) between sites. Tear osmolarity was the most consistent between sites (max/min positivity = 114%), followed by OSDI (123%), TBUT (158%), MGD (178%), and staining (204%). DED markers were uncorrelated (average r2 = 0.05 ± 0.07). A substantial number of subjects (N = 110) exhibited positive symptoms (OSDI = 32.4 ± 15.7) and hyperosmolarity (338.1 ± 20.1 mOsm/L) but no other obvious signs of DED (MGD grade = 0.2 ± 0.4, TBUT = 13.5 ± 7.0 seconds, staining grade = 0.4 ± 0.5). Subjective signs of DED varied considerably, whereas objective measurements of OSDI and osmolarity were the most consistent between sites. A large proportion of subjects exhibited high symptoms and hyperosmolarity but no other obvious signs of dry eye disease, most of whom were undiagnosed by clinical assessment without access to the osmolarity measurement.

The Influence of Tear Film Quality on Visual Function.

The prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) is increasing globally, resulting in a variety of eye symptoms characterized by discomfort and visual disturbances. The accurate diagnosis of the disease is often challenging and complex, requiring specialized diagnostic tools. This study aimed to investigate the impact of tear film instability on visual function and to evaluate the value of post-blink blur time (PBBT) as an alternative method for assessing tear film stability. The study included 62 subjects: 31 with subjective symptoms of DED (Group A) and a control group consisting of 31 healthy participants (Group B). Symptoms were assessed using the standard Schein questionnaire, supplemented with additional questions. PBBT was measured using standard Snellen charts to investigate a potential association between PBBT and tear film dysfunction. Additional clinical assessments included tear film break-up time (TBUT). Statistically significant differences were observed in the average values of PBBT and TBUT between the examined groups. The average PBBT was 8.95 ± 5.38 s in the group with DED and 14.66 ± 10.50 s in the control group, p < 0.001. Group A exhibited an average TBUT of 4.77 ± 2.37 s, while Group B had a TBUT of 7.63 ± 3.25 s, p < 0.001. Additionally, a strong positive correlation was identified between PBBT and TBUT values (r = 0.455; p < 0.001). The research confirms that tear film stability has an important role in the refraction of light and the maintenance of optical quality of vision. PBBT could potentially function as an objective and clinically significant screening test for DED.

Uveitis and Dry Eye Disease in Children: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aims to evaluate the ocular surface characteristics in children diagnosed with uveitis and explore the association between uveitis and dry eye disease (DED). Methods We included 84 children, 42 with uveitis and 42 healthy children. We performed the OSDI questionnaire and several ocular surface tests, including osmolarity, NITBUT, Schirmer test, and vital staining. We used Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney to compare variables and a binomial logistic regression to determine the factors associated with DED. Results The difference in the prevalence of DED between uveitis (54.8%) and healthy (31%) groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Most patients with uveitis had mixed DED, and none of the healthy subjects had a severe form of the disease. There were no statistically significant differences in most of the tear film tests. However, all parameters tended to worsen in the uveitis group, and lipid layer thickness was thinner (p < 0.036). The uveitis group exhibited significantly more symptoms (p < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression, uveitis was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.0 (95% CI: 1.07–8.42, p < 0.05) for DED. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a significantly higher prevalence of DED in children with uveitis compared to their healthy counterparts. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the risk of DED in pediatric patients with uveitis is threefold higher than in healthy children. Therefore, it is crucial for clinicians to vigilantly monitor the development of DED in pediatric patients with uveitis and consider the implementation of preventive treatments.

Dry Eye Disease: An Overview of Its Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Prevalence by Age, Sex, and Race.

This short review focuses on the significance and prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in the arena of ophthalmology. DED can be identified as one of the most common optical morbidities affecting about one-fourth of the patients visiting ophthalmology clinics. The perception of the cytology and disease evolution of DED has shown a noteworthy advancement in the last decade by recognizing two diverse mechanisms of the disease: tear desertion and deficient tear production. The role of these two components independently or concurrently in the prevalence of DED was also understood. Several studies in different parts of the world have projected that DED is more common in women as compared to men and this difference increases with ageing. Aged people, especially women in the menopausal and post-menopausal stages, are more prone to DED. This ailment is more prevalent in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases with a higher percentage of women getting affected. Various everyday activities as well as social and dietary behaviors like smoking might set off DED symptoms. Extensive visual tasking while using a computer, watching television, and doing a lot of reading also increase the risk of DED. Although DED occurs in all age groups, it is seen in very few children in comparison to adults. In fact, DED in children may be related to diverse factors such as congenial, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders as well as environmental conditions and nutritional deficiencies. A significant relationship has also been found between DED and racial differences among individuals. A few studies have suggested that the Asian population is more susceptible to DED as compared to the Caucasian population, but this concept needs further research and investigation. Climatic conditions and environmental challenges, such as relative humidity (RH), internal atmosphere, effluence, travel by air, and intense temperatures, are equally important in the occurrence of DED. The present review aims to examine the prevalence of DED in relation to age, sex, and race by analyzing several relevant studies and also have an overview of the diagnosis and risk factors of the disease.

Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease in Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetics: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition that affects the quality of life of may individuals. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of DED and identify potential risk factors in adult patients seeking care at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital., Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study that aimed to determine the prevalence of DED in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients. A total of 200 adult participants-100 with type 2 diabetes and 100 non-diabetic patients, were recruited into the study. A symptom screening standard patient evaluation for dryness questionnaire was administered and a fluorescein break-up time test was done to diagnose DED. The mean age was 61.4 years (±11.7 SD) and most were females (146, 72.86%). Using the standard patient evaluation for dryness questionnaire, 87.31% of the study participants had symptom(s) of DED. The proportion of DED in diabetics was 63.95% while in the non-diabetics was 68.37%, and this was significantly higher in the non-diabetic group (proportion difference of 16.47%, P = 0.006).The prevalence of DED as measured by the fluorescein break-up time was 55.81% (95% CI: 48.39-63.24). There was no significant difference in prevalence between diabetic and non-diabetic participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that increased duration of diabetes and age were significant predictors of DED in diabetic and non-diabetic groups, respectively. The prevalence of DED was high in our study population with increasing duration of diabetes in diabetics and older age in non-diabetics significantly associated with DED.

Trends in Health Service Use for Dry Eye Disease From 2017 to 2021: A Real-World Analysis of 369,755 Outpatient Visits.

We aimed to analyze the trends and patterns in outpatient health service treatment of dry eye disease (DED) using real-world data from Yinzhou District in China. The Yinzhou Health Information System is a comprehensive database including electronic medical records from 277 medical institutions representing over 1.64million residents. We extracted outpatient records from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021, that included the first diagnosis of DED according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (H04.101, H04.103, H11.104, H16.202, or H18.803). We analyzed the trends and patterns of DED outpatient visits using the Mann-Kendall trend test and Cochran-Armitage trend test. We identified a total of 369,755 outpatient visits from 145,712 patients with DED of all ages (60.37% female; 54.10% 50years or older). Primary medical institutions had the largest number of DED outpatient visits (42%), followed by tertiary medical institutions (35%). Over the 5-year period, the number of DED outpatient visits increased from 59,260 to 90,807 (53.23%). We observed significant consecutive annual proportion increases in females (from 61.09% to 62.01%; P = 0.001), patients 50years or older (from 55.10% to 60.08%; P < 0.001), and outpatient visits in primary medical institutions (from 33.19% to 48.75%; P < 0.001). Our study found an increase in outpatient health service use for DED in Yinzhou from 2017 to 2021, with higher proportions and increases among females, patients 50years or older, and primary medical institutions. The rapid growth in the prevalence of DED indicates high eye healthcare needs in patients.

Investigating Post-Operative Refractive Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery to Assess the Potential Impact of a Concurrent Diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease (DED)

Cataract surgery is one of the most performed surgical procedures in the world. A cataract is defined as opaqueness in the interior of the ocular lens2. The exact etiology of cataracts is multifactorial ranging from environmental conditions to biochemical changes induced by aging3. The Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation is an essential part of the pre-operative planning for cataract surgery as it determines the specific IOL that should be utilized for a patient. Keratometry measurements are required for this IOL power calculation, however, DED has been shown to cause inaccurate keratometry measurements4,5. We hypothesize that patients with DED undergoing cataract surgery will have a larger deviation from the predicted spherical equivalent (SE) post-operatively.&#x0D; Patients who were over the age of 18 and underwent cataract surgery were included. Patients who had a diagnosis of glaucoma, Herpes Simplex Keratitis, punctual plugs, undergone Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery, Radial Keratometry, or any form of corneal scarring were excluded from this study as they can negatively impact keratometry measurements.&#x0D; The DED sample had a statistically significant larger SE deviation from the predicted SE compared to the healthy sample (p=0.037). The DED sample also had a statistically significant larger percentage of patients with an SE deviation of 0.50 D or greater (p=0.002). Finally, the DED had a statistically significant older age than the healthy group (p=0.028).&#x0D; The significant difference in age between the healthy sample and the DED sample confirms the significant correlation between age and prevalence of DED the literature has described6. The statistically significant increased post-operative SE deviation from predicted SE within the DED sample can be the result of the increased variability in the tear film associated with DED. This can lead to inaccurate keratometry measurements, thus leading to incorrect IOL power calculations.

Assessment of dry eye using Schirmer test in patients attending a tertiary hospital eye clinic in Nigeria

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a frequently encountered ocular morbidity seen among adult patients attending ophthalmic clinics in Nigeria. It can be assessed using different methods although there is differing consensus on reliable tests for accurate diagnosis.&#x0D; Aim: The aim of this study was to assess DED using Schirmer 1 without anaesthesia among adult patients attending the Eye Clinic in a tertiary hospital in Calabar.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a cross sectional study among adult patients who attended the Eye Clinic of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital who were recruited consecutively from January 1st to March 31st, 2019. All consenting participants had comprehensive eye examination and were assessed for DED using the Schirmer 1 Test. Test values of less than 10mm were diagnostic of aqueous tear deficiency. Initial data categorization yielded frequencies, percentages and proportions. Categorical variables were analysed using Chi-square test and continuous variables using Student’s t-test. Statistical significance was found where p-values were &lt;0.05 at one degree of freedom.&#x0D; Results: Overall, 73 participants were included in the study 29 males and 44 females with male-female ratio of 1:1.5, and the prevalence of DED was 28.8%. Most participants had normal distance visual acuity in both eyes. There was a statistically insignificant inverse linear relationship between age and Schirmer 1 test. The relationship between gender and Schirmer 1 test values and consequently for dry eye was statistically significant, p 0.04.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed no significant association between DED and age. Female gender was associated with a higher risk of DED but a significant association between DED compared to the male gender. Its assessment in persons with other ocular complains is important. Primary and secondary prevention strategies are recommended.

Prevalence of dry eye disease among post-menopausal women in Tertiary care hospital of rural area of Panipat

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dry eye disease among post-menopausal women and to know the trend of dry eye disease with increasing age and profession of women.150 post-menopausal women were included in the study and they were subjected to Schirmer’s test and TBUT test. The study was conducted for a period of 6 months from May 2022 to October 2022.Out of 150 post-menopausal women it was found that 83(55.3%) showed signs of dry eye disease and maximum women belong to &amp;#62;60 years age group. It was seen that in Schirmer’s test 45.7% (38) have shown mild signs, 32.5% (27) have shown moderate signs and 21.6% (18) have shown severe signs of dry eye disease. It was also seen that working women (72%) had more chances of dry eye disease than homemaker (28%). Dry eye disease is very common amongst post-menopausal women and it is observed that with increasing age chances of dry eye disease increases and it is more common in working women than homemaker. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe forms and complications.

Dry Eye Symptoms in Jazan University Lecturers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).

Background Dry eye disease (DED) is a disease of the ocular surface charac-terized by instability of the tear film, which causes ocular surface inflamma-tion and damage that leads to ocular symptoms, discomfort, and visual disturbance. Dry eye is a common ocular condition and a major reason for ophthalmologist visits. Compulsory e-learning has arisen in colleges and schools with the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic as a tool for new teaching and learning. DED is an emerging threat to public health and is directly proportional to digital screen viewing length. DED diagnosis flowchart begins with history-taking of associated risk factors and a screening test by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Therefore, we aim to assess the prevalence and the severity of DED among Jazan University lecturers and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods A total of 150 participants were recruited for this descriptive, observational study. Participants completed an online questionnaire that contained questions about sociodemographics, electronic devices they used, the average number of hours of use in a day as well as the distance and posture while reading, and factors that may influence visual symptomssuch as the use of glasses, frequent changes in glasses prescription and DED symptoms. Results The results showed that the prevalence of DED was high, with 23% of participants having mild DED, 12% having moderate DED, and 29% having severe DED. DED was associated with a number of sociodemographic and clinical factors, including younger age, female gender, occupation as a lecturer, and use of digital devices. Conclusion This study highlights the need to develop strategies to prevent and control DED among high-risk groups, such as university lecturers. Future research should focus on identifying more effective ways to prevent DED and to improve the management of DED symptoms.

Age related changes in hyaluronan expression leads to Meibomian gland dysfunction

The prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) ranges from ∼5 to 50 % and its associated symptoms decrease productivity and reduce the quality of life. Approximately 85 % of all DED cases are caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). As humans and mice age, their Meibomian glands (MGs) undergo age-related changes resulting in age related-MGD (ARMGD). The precise cause of ARMGD remains elusive, which makes developing therapies extremely challenging. We previously demonstrated that a hyaluronan (HA)-rich matrix exists surrounding the MG, regulating MG morphogenesis and homeostasis. Herein, we investigated whether changes to the HA matrix in the MG throughout life contributes towards ARMGD, and whether altering this HA matrix can prevent ARMGD. For such, HA synthase (Has) knockout mice were aged and compared to age matched wild type (wt) mice. MG morphology, lipid production, PPARγ expression, basal cell proliferation, stem cells, presence of atrophic glands and MG dropout were analyzed at 8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years of age and correlated with the composition of the HA matrix. We found that as mice age, there is a loss of HA expression in and surrounding the MGs of wt mice, while, in contrast, Has1−/−Has3−/− mice present a significant increase in HA expression through Has2 upregulation. At 1 year, Has1−/−Has3−/− mice present significantly enlarged MGs, compared to age-matched wt mice and compared to all adult mice. Thus, Has1−/−Has3−/− mice continue to develop new glandular tissue as they age, instead of suffering MG atrophy. At 2 years, Has1−/−Has3−/− mice continue to present significantly larger MGs compared to age-matched wt mice. Has1−/−Has3−/− mice present increased lipid production, increased PPARγ expression and an increase in the number of proliferating cells when compared to wt mice at all-time points analyzed. Taken together, our data shows that a loss of the HA matrix surrounding the MG as mice age contributes towards ARMGD, and increasing Has2 expression, and consequently HA levels, prevents ARMGD in mice.

Prevalence of dry eye disease in the low vision population at the University of Colorado

PurposeTo evaluate the prevalence of diagnosed dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, and blepharitis amongst the low vision population. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients seen in the University of Colorado Low Vision Rehabilitation Service between the dates of 12/1/2017 and 12/1/2022. 74 ICD-10 codes were used to identify patients as having dry eye syndrome or not having dry eye syndrome. Data was further analyzed to determine the prevalence of blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction using 29 blepharitis and 9 meibomian gland dysfunction ICD-10 codes. Data were also analyzed to determine the age and sex of the patients with diagnosed dry eye syndrome. ResultsThe percentage of patients with a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome by an eyecare provider was 38.02 %. The prevalence of dry eye syndrome by age group was 3.57 % for 0–19 years, 14.35 % for 20–39 years, 29.07 % for 40–59 years, 43.79 % for 60–79 years, and 46.21 % for 80 and above. The prevalence of meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis was 11.90 % and 9.1 % respectively. Dry eye syndrome prevalence amongst males was 31.59 % and 42.47 % for females. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that dry eye syndrome in the low vision population is a significant co-morbidity occurring in over a third of patients in the University of Colorado Low Vision Rehabilitation Service. These findings are meaningful as ocular comfort should not be overlooked while managing complex visual needs.

Association of self-reported psychiatric and systemic risk factors in dry eye disease in adult Korean population.

To evaluate the association between dry eye disease (DED) and various psychiatric and systemic diseases in an adult Korean population aged 40 years or older. Population-based cross-sectional data of 6,732 participants aged ≥40 years was extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018 (KNHANES VII). Data including DED, demographic variables, behavioral factors, psychiatric conditions, and systemic diseases was analysed to determine the prevalence and psychiatric and systemic risk factors for DED. The weighted prevalence of DED was 7.9 ± 0.4% (mean ± SE). Multivariate analysis showed that female sex and urban residence were associated with an increased risk of DED. The prevalence of DED was lower in patients aged ≥70 years than in those aged 40-69 years. Self-reported psychological conditions including perceived stress and depression were associated with the risk of DED. Self-reported Systemic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, osteoporosis, ischemic heart disease, and chronic renal failure had association with an increased risk of DED. DED may be associated with several self-reported psychiatric and systemic conditions, which highlights the need for an integrated approach to manage these diseases for optimal treatment of DED.

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideas and associated factors, in particular sensory impairments, in a population of Bashkortostan in Russia

To assess prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideas in populations from Russia, we conducted in rural and urban regions in Bashkortostan/Russia two population-based studies (Ural Eye and Medical Study (UEMS), performed from 2015 to 2017; Ural Very Old Study (UVOS), performed from 2017 to 2020) which included participants aged 40 + years and 85 + years, respectively. Depression was assessed using the questionnaire of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Scoresheet, and anxiety was examined applying the State Trait Inventory Anxiety Test. Suicidal ideas were explored by the question whether suicide had previously been thought of or attempted (and if yes, for what reasons). In the statistical analysis we assessed the mean of the main outcome parameter (depression score and anxiety score) and searched for associations between these parameters and other parameters in univariable and multivariable regression analyses. In the UEMS with 5893 individuals (age: 59.0 ± 10.7 years; range 40–94 years), higher depression score and anxiety score were associated (multivariable analysis) with more marked hearing loss (beta: 0.07; P < 0.001, and beta: 0.07; P < 0.0012, respectively) and worse visual acuity (beta: 0.04; P = 0.02; and beta: 0.03; P = 0.03, resp.), in addition to female sex, Russian ethnicity, lower educational level, less alcohol consumption, weaker hand grip strength, less physical activity, and higher prevalence of dry eye disease. Attempted suicide was reported by 88 (1.5%; 95% CI 1.2, 1.8) participants. Having thought of suicide within the last 6 months was reported by 63 (1.1%) individuals. Out of 1491 UVOS participants (age: 88.2 ± 2.8 years; range 85–100 years) with a mean depression score of 20.0 ± 10.3 (median 18; range 0–58), 916 (61.4%; 95% CI 59.0, 63.9) fulfilled the definition of depression (depressions core ≥ 16). Higher depression score and higher anxiety score correlated (multivariable analysis) with higher hearing loss score (beta: 0.07; P = 0.02, and beta: 0.08; P = 0.009, resp.) and worse visual acuity (beta: 0.13; P < 0.001, and beta: 0.09; P = 0.007, resp.), in addition to female sex, urban region, less physical activity, less fruit intake, and lower cognitive function. Overall, 15 (1.0%; 95% CI 0.50, 1.50) individuals had attempted or thought of suicide. In conclusion, the findings suggest that besides female sex, lower level of education and lower cognitive function, it was sensory impairment, namely vision and hearing impairment, which belonged to the determinants of depression and anxiety in these populations from Russia.