Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for dry eye in the Indian population

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease.
• Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular complication.
• The prevalence of DED in RA patients in the Indian population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence and severity of dry eye disease in Indian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) versus age- and sex-matched controls.
• To assess the diagnostic criteria for dry eye disease in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 84 RA patients and 84 controls from the Indian population.
• Dry eye diagnosis based on McMonnie's questionnaire, Schirmer filter paper test (< or =5 mm wetting at 5 min), and tear film breakup time (<10 sec).
• Statistical analysis to compare dry eye parameters between RA patients and controls.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of dry eyes was significantly higher in RA patients (27.3% by Schirmer test, 22.62% by tear film breakup time) compared to controls (12% and 9.52%, respectively).
• Statistically significant differences were observed in mean Schirmer test wetting (p = 0.003) and mean tear film breakup time (p < 0.001) between the groups.
• Ocular symptoms showed limited correlation with objective dry eye test results.

Conclusions:

• Patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the Indian population exhibit a significantly higher prevalence and severity of dry eye disease.
• These findings underscore the importance of routine ophthalmic screening for dry eye in RA patients in India.