Tear meniscus height in the Beijing Adult Dry Eye Cohort study (ADEC)

To investigate the potential associations of the tear meniscus height (TMH) in terms of demographic features, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, and health conditions in adults in Beijing.

A population-based cross-sectional study.

Data from 2272 eyes of 1136 patients from three streets were utilized.

The Beijing Adult Dry Eye Cohort (ADEC) was performed from July to August 2023. Adults (n = 1136) were randomly selected from 15 communities in Beijing, China, and 91.5 % responded. Dry eye clinical signs and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were elicited.

Parameters related to demographics, environment, lifestyle and general health were recorded.

The median (interquartile range) of TMH was 0.17 (0.14,0.21) mm [minimum: 0.03 mm, maximum: 0.95 mm]. Lower TMH was significantly associated with age ≥ 45 (P < 0.0001), female sex (P < 0.0001), long-term exposure to dust (P = 0.0146), frequent use of electronic devices (P < 0.0001), seldom intake of Vitamin A, vegetable and fruit (P = 0.0022, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0016), smoke and alcohol consumption (P = 0.0255, P = 0.0028), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.0031), coronary heart disease (P = 0.0096), rheumatism (P = 0.0168), ocular and systemic medication (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0322), ocular irritation symptom(P < 0.0001) and systemic dryness (P < 0.0001). Long-term exposure to dusty environment (P = 0.004), frequent fruit consumption (P = 0.034), myopia (P = 0.040), frequent ocular medication (P = 0.041), coronary heart disease (P = 0.030) and systemic dryness symptoms (P = 0.039) could contribute to lower TMH.

This study identified multiple factors associated with lower tear meniscus height in Beijing adults, including demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, environmental exposure, and health conditions. These findings highlight the complexity of tear meniscus height variation and may provide insights for targeted interventions to improve ocular health in the population.