Small increase in dry eye disease risk among patients taking statins

A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in American Journal of Ophthalmology has explored the association between statin use and an individual’s risk of developing dry eye disease.

Researchers examined data from six observational studies involving 560,821 adults across Taiwan, Australia, the US, Taiwan and the Netherlands. Across these studies, 356,012 patients (63.5%) used statins for cholesterol management.

The scientists found a small but statistically significant association between statin use and dry eye disease – with individuals taking the medication at a 9% higher risk of having dry eye disease.

The study authors suggested that clinicians may consider screening for ocular surface symptoms in patients using statin therapy – especially in those with pre-existing risk factors for dry eye disease such as older age, sex and various systemic or ocular comorbidities.

“Proactive patient education and the development of monitoring strategies can aid in effective symptom management without compromising cholesterol control,” the researchers highlighted.

The scientists noted that there are established cardiovascular benefits of statins, and the increased risk of dry eye disease is relatively small.

“These findings should prompt clinical awareness rather than changes to statin prescribing or discontinuation,” the authors shared.