Ocular surface changes in moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition.
• Ocular surface disorders and dry eye symptoms can affect quality of life.
• The relationship between acne vulgaris and dry eye is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate ocular surface disorders and tear function in acne vulgaris patients.
• To explore the association between acne vulgaris and dry eye disease.
• To identify specific ocular surface parameters affected by acne.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study comparing 53 acne vulgaris patients with 54 healthy controls.
• Ocular surface parameters measured included tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), Schirmer I test (SIT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), meibum score, meibomian gland obstruction, meibomian gland loss, conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS).
• Participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Acne vulgaris patients showed decreased tear film stability, lower TMH and NIBUT, and higher OSDI, meibum score, meibomian gland obstruction, meibomian gland loss, and conjunctival hyperemia compared to controls.
• No significant differences were found in CFS, SIT, or LLT between groups.
• In acne patients with dry eye, TMH, NIBUT, and LLT were lower, while meibum score, meibomian gland obstruction, meibomian gland loss, and conjunctival hyperemia were higher.

Conclusions:

• Moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris is associated with a higher likelihood of dry eye.
• Reduced tear film stability and meibomian gland dysfunction are more pronounced in acne patients with co-existing dry eye.
• Acne vulgaris patients may require screening for dry eye disease.