Ocular Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Associated With Depression

This study 'How Are Ocular Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Associated With Depression in Women With and Without Sjögren Syndrome?' was published in The American Journal of Ophthalmology in July 2018.

Purpose

To determine whether features of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and/or symptoms of dry eye disease are associated with depression in women participants enrolled in the Sjögren’s International Collaborative Clinical Alliance (SICCA).

Methods

Women enrolled in the SICCA registry from 9 international research sites. 

Participants met at least 1 of 5 inclusion criteria for registry enrollment including:

•  complaints of dry eyes or dry mouth
• a previous diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome (SS)
• abnormal serology (positive anti–Sjögren syndrome antigen A and/or B [anti-SSA and/or anti-SSB]), or elevated antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor 
• bilateral parotid gland enlargement, or multiple dental caries. 

Results

Dry eye complaints produced a 1.82-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-2.40) higher odds of having depression compared to being symptom-free (P < .001). 

Additionally, complaints of specific ocular sensations were associated with a higher odds of depression including burning sensation (odds ratio 2.25, 95% CI 1.87-2.72, P < .001) compared to those without complaints. 

In both women with and without SS, the presence of symptoms of dry eyes and/or dry mouth rather than SS itself resulted in higher odds of depression. 

FULL REPORT