Dry eye symptoms may be correlated to non-ocular conditions

Dry eye symptoms may be more closely correlated to non-ocular conditions than tear film status, according to a study.

The cross-sectional study evaluated 136 patients at the Miami Veterans Affairs eye clinic to assess dry eye symptoms, non-ocular conditions and tear film parameters. Non-ocular conditions consisted of self-reported non-ocular pain, depression and PTSD, while tear film parameters consisted of osmolarity, tear breakup time, corneal staining, Schirmer’s test, eyelid vascularity and meibum quality.

Correlations among patient responses to the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ5), Ocular Surface Disease Index and non-ocular parameters were significant, while correlations with tear film measures were not.

In forward stepwise multivariable linear regression models, non-ocular pain and PTSD were significantly associated with the DEQ5 and OSDI, accounting for 36% and 40%, respectively, of the variability in scores.

“This finding has treatment implications as it suggests that different dry eye therapeutics may be considered based on a patient’s systemic status,” the study authors said. “Future studies will be needed to evaluate which agents, in conjunction with local treatments, will be useful in managing disease symptoms.” – by Kristie L. Kahl

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Galor A, et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2015;doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol-2014-306481.