Association of Depression with dry eyes in pre-menopausal women

Abstract

METHOD: This cross-sectional study was done using pre-tested self-designed questionnaire for diagnosing dry eyes and determining
severity of depression at College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Mayo hospital, Lahore. Clinical signs were assessed by Schirmer test-1 and tear breakup time (TBUT). Sample included 66 women selected via non-probability convenient sampling. After
evaluation for symptoms of dry eyes and depression, the association of depression with DED signs and symptoms was assessed by
Spearman's correlation.

RESULTS: Among 66 women enrolled in this study depression was diagnosed among 31 (47%). Mild, moderate and severe depression was found among 29%,15% and 3% of women with dry eyes respectively. Depression among dry eye patients was more prevalent among married (40%) and non-working women (32%, housewives). About 63 women had TBUT value <10sec and approximately 20 had Schirmer test-1 <5 mm indicating presence of dry eyes and their significance was determined by one sample t-test. Significant association was found between DED symptoms including feeling of ocular pain, worsening of ocular pain on blinking, worsening of burning under hot climate, presence of discharge on lashes early in the morning and feeling intolerable in air-conditioned areas and depression (p <0.05). Among these only worsening of ocular pain on blinking has moderate association with depression(rs = 0.40) while others have weak association.

OBJECTIVE: Purpose of this study was to check the proportion and severity of depression in women aged 18 to 45 years. Also to find out the association between depression and dryness of eyes.

CONCLUSION: A weak association was found between dry eyes and depression in pre-menopausal women. However, Schirmer test-1 and TBUT were not associated with depression. Multidisciplinary coordination is required to ensure quality care.