Close to half of dry eye patients report suffering from anxiety or depression

New research has investigated the impact of dry eye disease on quality of life.

The study, which was published in BMJ Open, analysed the responses to an online survey of 1000 individuals with dry eye disease and 1000 respondents without the condition.

Those with dry eye disease reported negative effects on visual function, their ability to carry out daily activities and work productivity.

Those with the most severe symptoms reported missing more time from work as a result of their symptoms.

Study lead, Dr Pawez Hossain, from the University of Southampton, highlighted that the research provides useful information about the burden that dry eye disease places on patients.

“The presence of dry eye disease does appear to impact on an individual’s health and vision related quality of life,” he said.

Anxiety or depression was reported by 47% of patients with dry eye disease compared to 32% without the condition.

Co-morbidities were common among those with dry eye symptoms, with twice as many suffering from arthritis, hearing loss and irritable bowel disease as levels among those who did not have dry eye disease.