Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Dry Eye Disease: A Case-Control Study Using the Beck Depression Inventory

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent ocular condition.
• Depression is a common mental health disorder.
• The relationship between DED and depression requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify depressive symptoms in DED patients and controls using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
• To establish the association between depressive symptoms and DED symptom severity.
• To explore the correlation between DED and depression using validated assessment tools.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 53 DED patients and 41 controls.
• Assessed DED symptoms using Symptom Burden Tool and Ocular Surface Disease Index.
• Measured depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
• Employed linear and logistic regression models to analyze the association.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant linear association was found between DED and depressive symptoms (regression coefficient=1.22).
• DED patients exhibited significantly higher depression scores compared to controls.
• An increased odds ratio (2.79) for depression was observed in DED cases.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms a significant association between dry eye disease and depression.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering mental health in DED management.
• Prospective studies are recommended to elucidate the causal mechanisms linking DED and depression symptoms.