Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the relation between dry eye severity and quality of life.
Methods: :
40 participants (19 with dry eye and 21 normal controls) underwent slit-lamp examination and Schirmer test to evaluate dry eye severity. Quality of life was evaluated with OSDI and VFQ-25 questionnaires.
Results: :
OSDI total score was significantly greater in patients suffering dry eye. However, BUT and VFQ-25 total score was significantly lower than control subjects.In dry eye patients were found several statistically significant correlations:OSDI with VFQ-25 total score (r=-0.62) (p<0,05).BUT with corneal staining (r=-0.50) and Schirmer (0.66) (p<0,05).BUT with OSDI total score, OSDI-symptoms and OSDI-triggers (r=-0.56, -0.56, -0.60) (p<0,05); corneal staining with OSDI total score and OSDI-symptoms (r=0.55, 0.54) (p<0,05).BUT with VFQ-25 total score, VFQ-25 ocular pain, mental and role function. (r=0.56, 0.51, 0.63, 0.56) (p<0,05); corneal staining with VFQ-25 total score, VFQ-25 ocular pain and near vision (r=-0.57, -0.49, -0.62) (p<0,05).
Conclusions: :
Quality of life is worst in patients with dry eye. OSDI and VFQ-25 questionnaires are valid instruments for measuring the impact of dry eye disease. BUT and corneal staining provide an indirect measurement of quality of life.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • quality of life