Dry eye and tear film functions in patients with psoriasis

To evaluate dry eye symptoms, tear film function and ocular surface changes in patients with psoriasis.

The Dry Eye Questionnaire and ophthalmic examination including the Schirmer test, tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein test, meibomian gland obstruction and conjunctival impression cytology were assessed in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Results were compared between 30 patients and 30 healthy controls.

The rate of positive responses in the Dry Eye Questionnaire and staining of corneal fluorescein test were significantly higher in the patients (P = 0.030) than in the controls (P = 0.012). The tear break-up time in patients was significantly lower than in the controls (P < 0.001). However, there were no differences in the Schirmer test and meibomian gland function between the patients and controls. In the impression cytology analysis, more cell alteration and decreased goblet cell density were observed in the patients (P < 0.001) compared with those obtained from controls (P = 0.003).

The dry eye symptom was more common in patients with psoriasis. In addition, the patients showed a higher tear film instability and significant degeneration on the ocular surface when compared with the normal controls.