Low ambient temperature plays a role in DED symptom severity

A new study that investigated the relationship between the severity of dry eye disease (DED) symptoms and ambient temperature found that low ambient temperature significantly impacts symptom severity.

The study included 351 first-time DED patients and examined ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) scores, in addition to tear film parameters.

The average tear film break-up time was 2.6 ± 0.7 seconds, schirmer test value was 5.5 ± 4.3 mm, and lipid layer thickness was 64.1 ± 6.0 μm.

The average OSDI and SPEED were 41.8 ± 19.8 and 12.1 ± 5.1, respectively, however, in winter there were higher reported OSDI and SPEED scores, significantly correlated with low ambient temperature.

Low ambient temperature and Schirmer test value were shown to contribute to higher OSDI, whereas low ambient temperature and younger age were shown to contribute to higher SPEED.

Reference
Ho WT, Chiu CY, Chang SW. Low ambient temperature correlates with the severity of dry eye symptoms. Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2021;12(2):191-197. doi: 10.4103/tjo.tjo_25_21. PMID: 35813789; PMCID: PMC9262028.