Researchers explore link between dry eye disease and depression

A study involving 614 Hong Kong residents has found a significant association between severe dry eye disease and depression.

The research, which was published in Scientific Reports, involved recruiting participants over the age of 13 from the general population of Hong Kong.

Study participants underwent dry eye symptom assessments and objective ocular surface examinations, as well as being asked to report their medical history and use of medication.

Participants were classified as having depression if they self-reported depression alongside the use of antidepressant medication.

The researchers found that ocular surface disease index scores were higher among the 18 study participants with depression, compared to the 596 participants without depression.

The study authors noted that the findings should be taken as evidence of an association between dry eye disease symptoms and depression – rather than causation.

“Clinicians and researchers should be aware of the potential relationship between mental health and dry eye symptoms,” the researchers noted.