Visual performance and the ocular surface in traumatic brain injury.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Trauma Research

Background:

• Neurotrauma, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI), involves complex pathophysiology.
• Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular surface condition with multifactorial causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of DED in veterans with TBI.
• To identify potential associations between TBI, DED, and related factors.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 53 veterans with TBI and a matched comparison group were evaluated.
• Standardized tests included Ocular Disease Surface Index (OSDI), tear osmolarity, tear film break-up time (TFBUT), and ocular surface staining.
• Data on injury type, ocular history, and medication use were collected.

Main Results:

• TBI subjects exhibited significantly higher OSDI scores and ocular surface staining compared to controls.
• A greater proportion of TBI subjects presented with at least one abnormal dry eye measure.
• No association was found between medication use and DED severity or symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Veterans with TBI demonstrate a higher prevalence of DED, both subjectively and objectively.
• The findings suggest DED in TBI patients is persistent and not linked to medication.
• Routine DED screening is recommended for all TBI patients.