Study finds DED affects mental health

A new study published in The Ocular Surface, has shed light on the quality-of-life impact of dry eye disease (DED) with authors, including optometrists and ophthalmologists from the UK and Australia, noting a need for individualised treatment strategies.

Using Rasch analysis, individuals with mixed subtype DED, corneal neuropathic pain, a history of DED treatment, or past DED-related procedures were found to have worse symptoms, activity limitations and quality of life than those with evaporative or aqueous-deficient DED.

‘Our results highlight that DED is more than just a clinical condition – it significantly affects mental health, daily activities, and overall well-being,’ said lead author Himal Kandel from the University of Sydney.