Is there a relationship between pathologic myopia and dry eye syndrome?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Pathologic myopia is a severe form of myopia characterized by axial elongation.
• Dry eye syndrome is a common ocular surface condition affecting tear production and stability.
• The relationship between pathologic myopia and dry eye syndrome requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pathologic myopia and the prevalence and severity of dry eye syndrome.
• To compare ocular surface parameters in individuals with and without pathologic myopia.

Main Methods:

• Forty-five patients with pathologic myopia (SE > -6.0 D, AL > 26.5 mm) and 44 healthy controls were recruited.
• Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores were assessed for all participants.
• Tests included Schirmer 1 test (with/without anesthesia), corneal staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), and axial length (AL) measurement.

Main Results:

• Pathologic myopia patients had significantly lower tear break-up time (TBUT) (7.2 ± 3.4s vs 13.6 ± 3.7s) compared to controls.
• Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores were significantly higher in the pathologic myopia group.
• Significant differences were observed in spherical equivalence (SE), keratometry, axial length (AL), TBUT, and OSDI scores between groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Individuals with pathologic myopia demonstrate poorer tear film stability, indicated by lower TBUT.
• Pathologic myopia is associated with a higher burden of dry eye symptoms, as evidenced by elevated OSDI scores.
• The findings suggest a significant correlation between pathologic myopia and dry eye syndrome.