Presbyopia, Dry Eye, and Retinal Thickness in the Middle-Aged Population: Focusing on Sex Differences

Risk factors for presbyopia have not been fully determined although previous studies suggested presbyopia was associate with age, dry eye, and retinal ganglion cell complex thickness (GCC). We accessed these signs and common ocular symptoms in the middle-aged population focusing on sex differences when women have drastic hormonal change.

This cohort study consecutively enrolled 2743 patients aged 36-45 years (n=1000), 46-55 years (n=1000), and 56-65 years (n=743). All underwent ocular surface tests and had near add power and GCC measured. Common ocular symptoms were asked using questionnaire.

Among female participants, visual symptoms (eye strain and photophobia) were more prevalent in the age group 46-55, whereas non-visual symptoms (dryness, irritation, and pain) were not. We identified symptomatic presbyopia (near add power ≥ 1.5D) in 14.4%, 73.8%, and 97.8%, positive corneal staining in 29.1%, 23.8%, and 23.9%, and a mean GCC of 98.2 μm, 105.3 μm, and 89.6 μm in the age groups 36-45, 46-55, and 56-65, respectively. Mean tear break-up time were 3.3, 3.5, and 3.3 seconds, respectively. Results indicated a large progression of presbyopia (P<0.01) from the period of 36-45 years onward and significantly increased GCC (P<0.01) in women of age group 46-55. No notable tendency was observed in symptoms and GCC for male participants.

Visual symptoms in women were worse between 46 and 55 years than before or after these ages. The increase of symptomatic presbyopia and GCC may be contributing to visual symptoms in addition to menopausal transition symptoms in this age group.