According to a study published online March 10 in JAMA Ophthalmology, depression is associated with more severe dry eye disease (DED) symptoms and overall signs.
Yi Zhou and colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia investigated the relationship between depression and the severity of DED symptoms and signs, including inflammatory markers, in a secondary cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of data from the Dry Eye Assessment and Management study, which included patients with moderate-to-severe DED symptoms and signs. For one year, 535 patients from 27 ophthalmology and optometry centers were followed.
According to the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Brief Ocular Discomfort Index, and composite DED sign score, patients who tested positive for depression had worse DED symptoms. At baseline, six months, and 12 months, worse depression, as indicated by a lower Mental Component Summary score on the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, was associated with a higher OSDI score (worse symptoms). There was no difference in inflammatory markers based on depression status.
“Identifying depression and considering treatment, including systemic medications,” the authors write, “may be useful in managing patients with DED.” “Comorbid psychiatric screening may benefit patients with more severe DED concerns or sign measurements.”
