Impact of Dry Eye Disease on Vision Quality: An Optical Quality Analysis System Study

We evaluated the relationship between ocular surface clinical tests and quality of vision in patients with dry eye disease (DED).

In this study, 136 eyes of 72 dry eye patients were evaluated retrospectively using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), measurement of tear film break-up time (TBUT), the Oxford score, Van Bijsterveld score, and Schirmer I test. Quality of vision was assessed with the optical quality analysis system (OQAS) using the objective scatter index (OSI) recorded over 20 seconds without blinking. Correlations between dry eye symptoms and signs, and OSI measurements were evaluated.

The OSI and OSI standard deviation (OSI SD) were correlated with TBUT (r = -0.21, P = 0.013 and r = -0.18, P = 0.038, respectively), Oxford score (r = 0.31, P = 0.0002 and r = 0.18, P = 0.032, respectively), and the Van Bijsterveld score (r = 0.33, P = 0.0001 and r = 0.25, P = 0.003, respectively). The OSI also was correlated with the Schirmer test (r = -0.19, P = 0.025), OSDI (r = 0.17, P = 0.04), and the ocular symptoms subscale of the OSDI (r = 0.21, P = 0.01). OSI SD was correlated with the environmental triggers subscale of the OSDI (r = 0.21, P = 0.016).

Quality of vision measured with the OQAS was correlated with dry eye symptoms and signs. The OQAS could be a useful tool to better evaluate visual function in patients with DED.

The OQAS provides a better understanding of patient complaints about alteration of vision quality. It might be useful to integrate this objective system in severity assessments and follow-up of DED, especially for treatment evaluations.