Dry eye and sleep quality: a large community-based study in Hangzhou

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Dry eye disease is a prevalent ocular condition affecting millions globally.
• Sleep quality is a crucial aspect of overall health, with disruptions potentially impacting various physiological processes.
• The relationship between dry eye and sleep quality, particularly in large community-based populations, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sleep quality and dry eye disease.
• To evaluate the impact of sleep quality on the severity of dry eye symptoms.
• To explore this relationship within a large, community-based Chinese population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 3,070 participants aged 18-80 in Hangzhou, China.
• Sleep quality assessed using the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI).
• Dry eye evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire; statistical analyses included multivariable regression models.

Main Results:

• Significant associations were found between poor sleep quality (CPSQI score and sleep dysfunction) and increased severity of dry eye (mild, moderate, severe).
• Worse OSDI scores correlated with poorer CPSQI scores and sleep dysfunction.
• Six of seven CPSQI components were significantly associated with dry eye, excluding sleep medication use.

Conclusions:

• A strong association exists between poor sleep quality and increased dry eye severity in a large Chinese community.
• Interventions aimed at improving sleep quality may potentially alleviate dry eye symptoms.
• This study highlights the interconnectedness of ocular surface health and sleep.