Dry Eye Disease: A psychiatric and ophthalmological problem

An integrative and transdisciplinary approach is needed when treating patients with psychiatric disorders due to the potential influence their condition and medications may have on tear film stability, according to a recent article p.

A transdisciplinary approach has the potential to improve quality of life.

Recent studies have suggested an association between dry eye and psychiatric disorders due to psychological factors potentially affecting subjective symptoms of dry eye. Some disorders linked to dry eye disease include anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and subjective happiness.

In addition, the authors note that psychiatric medications have the potential to influence tear film status. For instance, polypharmacy, a common psychiatry treatment, is known to have ocular side effects that increase with use.

Because symptoms of DED often relate more to non-ocular conditions, a transdisciplinary approach by psychiatrists and ophthalmologists may help improve the function and quality of life of patients with psychiatric disorders.

Reference
Kaštelan S, Bakija I, Bogadi Met al. Psychiatric Disorders and Dry Eye Disease – A Transdisciplinary Approach. Psychiatr Danub. 2021;33(Suppl 4):580-587. PMID: 34718284.