Clinical burden of dry eye disease in patients with ocular graft versus host disease

Ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) is a frequent complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, with dry eye being the most common presentation. Patient experience with dry eye from oGVHD may negatively affect quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients' perspectives on the symptoms, treatments, and care burdens associated with dry eye from oGVHD.

An electronic questionnaire was sent to patients with dry eye asking about their diagnoses, symptoms, treatments, and experiences associated with dry eye.

Of the 639 patients who responded to the questionnaire, 79 reported having dry eye from oGVHD and were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age of these patients was 55 (10) years (range, 22-73 years; n = 75). Of the patients who reported their sex (n = 78), 32 were male, and 46 were female. The most common ocular symptom was a sandy or gritty feeling (n = 68, 86%). Patients reported a mean (SD) of nine (2) symptoms, despite using four (2) treatments. The most common initial treatment was artificial tears (n = 71, 90%). Most patients (68/75, 91%) reported receiving oGVHD care from an eye care professional (e.g., ophthalmologist or optometrist), whereas a few (4/75, 5%) received oGVHD care from a hematologist.

Dry eye symptoms and treatments, along with the associated time and financial costs required, are a burden to patients with oGVHD. These patients should be evaluated by a knowledgeable eye care professional to best treat and manage their disease.