Dry Eye Disease and personality: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Psychology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Dry Eye Disease (DED) significantly impacts ocular comfort and quality of life.
• Personality traits may shape symptom perception and psychological adjustment in DED patients.
• Understanding personality's role is crucial for managing DED's subjective experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on personality traits in individuals diagnosed with Dry Eye Disease.
• To explore the relationship between personality characteristics and DED symptom burden.
• To assess the influence of personality on the quality of life for DED patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) following PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion criteria comprised full-text, peer-reviewed English articles using standardized personality assessment tools.
• Studies were categorized by DED diagnosis confirmation (clinical vs. self-reported), and quality was assessed using NIH tools.

Main Results:

• Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with four using clinically confirmed DED and four using self-reported symptoms.
• Significant associations were found between personality traits, particularly neuroticism and harm avoidance, and increased symptom burden.
• Personality traits were linked to reduced quality of life and influenced symptom perception, supported by regression and mediation analyses.

Conclusions:

• Personality traits demonstrably contribute to the subjective experience and clinical impact of Dry Eye Disease.
• Current evidence, primarily from cross-sectional studies, limits causal interpretations.
• Future longitudinal research is essential to elucidate mechanisms and develop integrated DED management strategies.