Work

Perspectives of dry eye patients in the United Kingdom on risk factors and desired treatment outcomes

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Successful management of dry eye disease depends upon an effective two-way communication between eyecare practitioners and affected patients. However, there has been limited investigation into the perspectives of patients with dry eye disease in the United Kingdom regarding their risk factors and desired treatment outcomes. METHODS: An online, self-administered, anonymous survey was distributed to patients based in the United Kingdom who have had a diagnosis of dry eye disease between November 2023 to March 2024. The survey consisted of four main sections including demographics, the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5), and Likert scales rating the likelihood of various risk factors contributing to their dry eyes and the desired treatment outcomes in various components of signs and symptoms. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 152 respondents (mean age 51.7 ± 16.7 years, 103 females). Respondents rated environmental conditions the highest in terms of likelihood of contributing to their dry eye disease [median (interquartile range): 7.5 (5-10)], followed by digital device use [7 (4-9)] and poor sleep quality [4 (1-7)]. In terms of desired treatment outcomes, symptom frequency and severity as well as tear stability were ranked the highest in importance [10 (8-10)]. CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrated the perceptions of dry eye patients in the United Kingdom regarding lifestyle or modifiable risk factors contributing to their dry eye disease, as well as the most important treatment outcomes of these patients. These aspects should be considered by clinicians in the management of dry eye disease, as well as researchers particularly when designing studies which investigate treatment effects of current and novel dry eye interventions.

Source: Contact Lens and Anterior Eye

DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2024.102340

Authors: Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang, James S. Wolffsohn

Institutions: Aston University, UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Ocular Surface and Contact Lens

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,740