Gender-Related Differences in Dry Eye Symptoms Following Involutional Ectropion and Entropion Surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease
• Gender Medicine

Background:

• Involutional ectropion and entropion are common eyelid malpositions.
• Dry eye disease is a frequent complication following corrective eyelid surgery.
• Gender-specific differences in ocular surface disease are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-related differences in dry eye symptoms and signs after surgery for involutional ectropion and entropion.
• To compare postoperative outcomes between genders in patients undergoing eyelid malformation repair.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case-control study involving 109 patients (aged 65-89).
• Assessment included Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, ocular staining, eyelid margin characteristics, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).
• Patients were categorized by eyelid condition (ectropion/entropion) and gender.

Main Results:

• Women reported more severe dry eye symptoms (OSDI) pre- and post-operatively compared to men.
• Men initially had lower TBUT and higher Schirmer values, but these differences lessened over time.
• No significant gender differences in corneal/conjunctival staining; men showed higher eyelid margin irregularity scores.

Conclusions:

• Gender influences the experience of dry eye symptoms following ectropion and entropion surgery.
• Women consistently report greater subjective dry eye burden, necessitating gender-sensitive postoperative management.
• While surgery improves eyelid position and symptoms, tailored care is crucial for optimizing ocular health in women.