Dry eye disease linked to depression, anxiety

A study presented at ARVO 2023 found that dry eye disease (DED) is associated with psychological factors including anxiety and depression.

Researchers had 78 healthy college students with a mean age of 21.74 ± 1.85 years complete the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI-ARB), Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, Beck’s Depression Inventory questionnaire as well undergo testing for visual acuity, tear breakup time (TBUT), and Shirmer 1.

Overall, 60.81% of patients experienced dry eye symptoms, of which 17.56% had mild, 12.16% had moderate, and 31.08% had severe grades. Anxiety and depression were common among the college students with 50% and 28.2% experiencing them. A significant moderate positive correlation between both variables was noted.

A significant correlation was found between anxiety/depression and OSDI scores concerning the ocular surface. Shirmer test results also showed a positive correlation with anxiety.

Reference
Alkozi H, et al. Association between dry eye disease with anexiety and depression: emotional disorders affecting ocular surface health. Presented at: ARVO 2023.