Prevalence of dry eye disease and its association with dyslipidemia

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular surface disease significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. The aim of our study is to focus on the prevalence of DED and to determine the relationship between dyslipidemia and DED.

The study was performed with the age group of 25-70 years, who attended the ophthalmology outpatient department at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences with complaints of dry eye. A standard questionnaire was taken, and tear film tests were performed to diagnose dry eye. Further eyelid margin was examined to detect meibomian gland dysfunction. Based on the tests and examination, patients were grouped as men with and without DED and women with and without DED. Fasting lipid profile was investigated for these groups.

The study showed the prevalence of DED mainly in women and found significant association between DED and dyslipidemia. There is a significant relationship between total cholesterol and DED groups especially in women (p<0.001). We also found the association between triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and DED particularly in women as compared to men.

Based on the findings, we emphasize that there is a strong relationship between dyslipidemia and the progression of DED particularly in women. Ophthalmologists may increase their role to educate themselves to diagnose dyslipidemia and ensure comprehensive eye care to prevent blindness and cardiovascular disease. Recent treatment modalities could be aimed to improve the quality of life of women and elderly patients suffering from DED.