Abstract
Purpose :
A variety of neurological, musculoskeletal, and rheumatological conditions can predispose patients to dry eyes. Management of dry eyes in patients with these conditions can be difficult because often the underlying disease limits the ability for patients to self-administer lubricating eye drops.
Methods :
We identified all patients age ≥18 years old receiving care at 6 health systems participating in the Sight Outcomes Research Collaborative (SOURCE) repository. SOURCE captures EHR data on all eye care recipients at these institutions. We identified patients in SOURCE with dry eyes based on ICD billing codes, clinical exam findings consistent with dry eyes, and receipt of interventions for dry eyes. We assessed the extent by which these patients had common neurological, musculoskeletal, or rheumatological conditions that may make it difficult to self-administer ocular lubricants. Logistic regression assessed for potential associations between these medical conditions and dry eyes, adjusting for patient demographics and other factors.
Results :
Of the 1446229 eligible patients in SOURCE, 321941 (22.3%) had evidence of dry eyes and among these, 156317 (48.6%) had ≥1 medical comorbidities that can make it difficult to administer lubricating eye drops. The proportion of patients with dry eyes with 1, 2, 3, 4+ impairments was 21.4%, 16.9%%, 6.8%, and 3.4%, respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, patients with ≥1 impairment that can limit eye drop instillation had 62% increased odds of dry eyes (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.62 (1.61, 1.64)) compared to those with no impairments. Patients with 2 (aOR: 1.72 (1.70, 1.74), 3 (aOR: 2.16 (2.12, 2.20), 4+ (aOR: 2.48 (2.42, 2.55) impairments had a 72%, 116%, and 148% increased odds of dry eyes, respectively, compared to those with no impairments.
Conclusions :
Nearly 50% of patients with dry eyes had one or more medical conditions that may make it challenging to self-administer lubricating eye drops. These patients may benefit from alternative treatments to help with ocular surface lubrication.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.