The relationship between dry eye and migraine

TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of lifestyle challenges on the ocular surface

Many factors in the domains of mental, physical, and social health have been associated with various ocular surface diseases, with most of the focus centered on aspects of dry eye disease (DED). Regarding mental health factors, several cross-sectional studies have noted associations between depression and anxiety, and medications used to treat these disorders, and DED symptoms. Sleep disorders (both involving quality and quantity of sleep) have also been associated with DED symptoms. Under the domain of physical health, several factors have been linked to meibomian gland abnormalities, including obesity and face mask wear. Cross-sectional studies have also linked chronic pain conditions, specifically migraine, chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia, to DED, principally focusing on DED symptoms. A systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed available data and concluded that various chronic pain conditions increased the risk of DED (variably defined), with odds ratios ranging from 1.60 to 2.16. However, heterogeneity was noted, highlighting the need for additional studies examining the impact of chronic pain on DED signs and subtype (evaporative versus aqueous deficient). With respect to societal factors, tobacco use has been most closely linked to tear instability, cocaine to decreased corneal sensitivity, and alcohol to tear film disturbances and DED symptoms.

Risk of dry eye in headache patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this meta-analysis was to identify whether headache increase the risk of dry eye disease (DED).

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant studies. The odds ratio (OR) of DED in all-cause headache was calculated via Stata software. To explore the source of heterogeneity, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Funnel plots and Egger's test were performed to assess publication bias.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 11 studies. Pooled analysis indicated that all-cause headache was related to a higher risk of DED (OR = 1.586, 95% CI : 1.409-1.785, I² = 89.3%, p < .001). Migraine headache, tension headache and cluster headache were all related to a higher risk of DED (OR = 1.503, 95% CI: 1.369-1.650, I² = 81.8%, p < .001; OR = 1.610, 95% CI: 1.585-1.635, p < .001; OR = 2.120, 95% CI: 1.104-4.073, p = .024), respectively. The risk of DED in case-control studies was slightly higher than in cross-sectional studies and cohort study (OR = 1.707, 95% CI: 1.291-2.258, I² = 85.0%, p < .001; OR = 1.600, 95% CI: 1.590-1.610, I² = 0.0%, p < .001; OR = 1.440, 95% CI: 1.096-1.893, p = .009), respectively. Subgroup analysis in territory type showed that all-cause headache in America, Europe, Asia and Oceania were all related to a higher risk of DED.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that headache is related to a higher risk of DED, especially in the migraine patients. These results suggest that headaches should be regarded as an independent risk factor for DED.KEY MESSAGESIn this meta-analysis, 11 studies (one cohort study, four case-control studies and six cross-sectional studies) covering 3,575,957 individuals were included.Pooled analysis indicated that all-cause headache was related to a higher risk of dry eye (OR = 1.586, 95% CI: 1.409-1.785, I² = 89.3%, p < .001).These results suggest that headaches should be regarded as an independent risk factor for dry eye.

Oküler biyometrik ölçümler ile pediatrik migren arasında ilişki

Amaç: Bu çalışmada pediatrik migren hastalarında biyometri ölçümlerinin ve ön segment parametrelerinin değerlendirilmesi ve sağlıklı çocuklarla karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu prospektif vaka-kontrol çalışmasına yaş ve cinsiyeti uyumlu 40 pediatrik migren hastası ve 45 sağlıklı çocuk dahil edildi. Ölçümlerden önce tüm katılımcılar tam bir oftalmolojik muayeneden geçirildi. Ön kamara derinliği (ÖKD), vitreus uzunluğu (VU), lens kalınlığı (LK), aksiyel uzunluk (AU), merkezi kornea kalınlığı (MKK), kornea hacmi (KH), ön kamara hacmi (ÖKH), iridokorneal açı (İKA), pupil çapı (PÇ) ve ortalama kornea kırıcılığı (Km) değerlendirildi. Tüm değerlendirmeler ataksız dönemde yapıldı. Fotofobisi olan ve olmayan migrenli hastalarda pupil çapı karşılaştırıldı. Diürnal varyasyondan en az oranda etkilenmek açısından göz içi basınç ölçümleri ve biyometri değerlendirmeleri günün aynı saatlerinde (10:00–12:00) yapıldı. Tüm katılımcıların sağ gözü çalışmaya dahil edildi. Bulgular: Pediatrik migren grubuyla (27 kız, 13 erkek) kontrol grubu (30 kız, 15 erkek) arasında ÖKD, VU, LK, AU, MKK, KH, ÖKH, İKA, PÇ, göz içi basıncı, sferik eşdeğer ve Km ölçümleri bakımından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık görülmedi. Migren grubu içerisinde fotofobisi olan hastalar ile olmayanların pupil çapları arasında anlamlı farklılık görülmedi. Sonuç: Pediatrik migren hastalarında biyometri, korneal topografi ve keratometri ölçümlerinde sağlıklı çocuklara göre farklılık görülmemektedir. Pediatrik migren ile oküler biyometrik ölçümler arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek için daha geniş hasta popülasyonlu çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.

Headache and immunological/autoimmune disorders: a comprehensive review of available epidemiological evidence with insights on potential underlying mechanisms

Several lines of evidence support a role of the immune system in headache pathogenesis, with particular regard to migraine. Firstly, alterations in cytokine profile and in lymphocyte subsets have been reported in headache patients. Secondly, several genetic and environmental pathogenic factors seem to be frequently shared by headache and immunological/autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, immunological alterations in primary headaches, in particular in migraine, have been suggested to predispose some patients to the development of immunological and autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, pathogenic mechanisms underlying autoimmune disorders, in some cases, seem to favour the onset of headache. Therefore, an association between headache and immunological/autoimmune disorders has been thoroughly investigated in the last years. The knowledge of this possible association may have relevant implications in the clinical practice when deciding diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The present review summarizes findings to date regarding the plausible relationship between headache and immunological/autoimmune disorders, starting from a description of immunological alteration of primary headaches, and moving onward to the evidence supporting a potential link between headache and each specific autoimmune/immunological disease.

Association Between Migraine and Dry Eye: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess whether migraine might be associated with the increased risk of dry eye disease and to determine the strength of the association between migraine and dry eye disease.

METHODS

We searched EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science databases and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and VIP databases for studies that investigated the association between dry eye and migraine from inception to September 8, 2020. Relevant data were extracted by 2 investigators independently. Publication bias and heterogeneity were evaluated. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed by metaanalysis using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Of the 565 studies identified, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this metaanalysis. Patients with migraine had significantly higher morbidity of dry eye compared with the control group (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.32-1.82; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the association between dry eye and migraine was stronger in hospital-based studies (OR = 1.97, P = 0.036) than population-based studies (OR = 1.42, P < 0.001). In addition, differences in geographic location and diagnostic criteria have no effect on the results.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant association between dry eye and migraine. Patients with migraine are more prone to suffer from dry eye than subjects without migraine, and the association strength varies among populations studied.

The roles of sex and gender in women's eye health disparities in the United States

BACKGROUND

In the United States, women are at a higher risk of developing vision impairment or a serious eye disease (such as age-related macular degeneration, thyroid eye disease, or chronic dry eye disease) than men. Disparities in eye diseases due to biology widen even further when considering factors such as social determinants of health; gaps in research data, literature, and policy; insufficient provider and patient education; and limitations in screening and treatment options. Sex and gender disparities in eye health are clinically under-addressed and burdensome on both patient quality of life and the health care and economic systems, resulting in a pressing population health issue that negatively impacts women.

DESIGN

The Society for Women's Health Research convened a working group of expert clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to review the current state of science regarding sex and gender disparities in women's eye health, identify knowledge gaps and unmet needs, and explore better means to advance research, improve patient care, and raise awareness of key issues.

DISCUSSION

The SWHR Women's Eye Health Working Group identified priority areas in research, clinical care, and education to reduce disparities and improve patient care in women's eye health. The working group recommends using a systems approach that incorporates a comprehensive research framework with a sex and gender lens to guide future work and that increases health care provider and public education, as well as engagement by expanding partnerships among ophthalmologic providers, researchers, and non-vision stakeholders.

Exploring the Link Between Dry Eye and Migraine: From Eye to Brain

Dry eye and migraine are common diseases with large societal and economic burdens that have recently been associated in the literature. This review outlines the link between dry eye and migraine, which may have implications for reducing their respective burdens. We highlight possible shared pathophysiology, including peripheral and central sensitization, as the potential link between dry eye and migraine. Finally, therapies targeting similar pathophysiological mechanisms between dry eye and migraine are discussed.

Effect of migraine attack on pupil size, accommodation and ocular aberrations

PURPOSE

To evaluate the pupil size, accommodation, and ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in patients with migraine during migraine attacks and compare them with interictal period and healthy controls.

METHODS

This prospective, case-control study included 48 eyes of 24 patients with migraine and 48 eyes of 24 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Measurements were performed using a Hartmann Shack aberrometer. Accommodative responses to accommodative stimulus ranging from 0 to 5 diopters (D) in increments of 0.5 D were recorded. Spherical, coma, trefoil aberration, and root mean square (RMS) of total HOAs were assessed. Patients with migraine were measured twice during the interictal phase and during migraine attack.

RESULTS

The mean pupil size significantly decreased during migraine attack (5.85 ± 0.19 mm) compared with the interictal phase (6.05 ± 0.19 mm) in the patients with migraine (p = 0.012). There was a significant increase in the accommodative response to accommodative stimulus of 1.5 to 5 D during migraine attack. No significant change was observed in HOAs during migraine attack. In addition, no ictal or interictal period measurements were statistically significantly different from the controls. Comparing symptomatic and non-symptomatic sides in 17 migraine patients with unilateral headache, no significant difference was found in any of the measurements in both ictal and interictal periods.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the presence of a subtle oculosympathetic hypofunction in patients with migraine during the ictal period compared to the interictal period. The accommodation status of the eye seems to be affected by this autonomic dysfunction.

Investigation of light-induced lacrimation and pupillary responses in episodic migraine

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the light-induced pupillary and lacrimation responses mediated by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in migraine. Ten participants with episodic migraine and normal tear production, as well as eleven visually normal controls participated in this study. Following an initial baseline trial (no light flash), participants received seven incremental and alternating red and blue light flashes. Pupillometry recording of the left eye and a 1-min anesthetized Schirmer’s test of the right eye (using 0.5% proparacaine) were performed simultaneously. Intrinsic and extrinsic ipRGC photoactivities did not differ between migraine participants and controls across all intensities and wavelengths. Migraine participants, however, had significantly lower lacrimation than controls following the highest blue intensity. A positive correlation was found between melanopsin-driven post-illumination pupillary responses and lacrimation following blue stimulation in both groups. Our results show that participants with self-reported photophobia have normal ipRGC-driven responses, suggesting that photophobia and pupillary function may be mediated by distinct ipRGC circuits. The positive correlation between melanopsin-driven pupillary responses and light-induced lacrimation suggests the afferent arm of the light-induced lacrimation reflex is melanopsin-mediated and functions normally in migraine. Lastly, the reduced melanopsin-mediated lacrimation at the highest stimulus suggests the efferent arm of the lacrimation reflex is attenuated under certain conditions, which may be a harbinger of dry eye in migraine.

Association Between Dry Eye Disease and Migraine Headaches in a Large Population-Based Study

Importance

Reports in the literature have conflicting findings about an association between dry eye disease (DED) and migraine headaches.

Objective

To determine the strength of the association between DED and migraine headaches.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective case-control study included 72 969 patients older than 18 years from University of North Carolina-affiliated health care facilities from May 1, 2008, through May 31, 2018. Deidentified aggregate patient data were queried; data were analyzed from June 1 through June 30, 2018.

Exposures

Diagnosis of migraine headache.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Odds ratios calculated between DED and migraine headaches for participants as a whole and stratified by sex and age group.

Results

The base population consisted of 72 969 patients, including 41 764 men (57.2%) and 31 205 women (42.8%). Of these, 5352 patients (7.3%) carried a diagnosis of migraine headache, and 9638 (13.2%) carried a diagnosis of DED. The odds of having DED given a diagnosis of migraine headaches was 1.72 (95% CI, 1.60-1.85) times higher than that of patients without migraine headaches. After accounting for multiple confounding factors, the odds of having DED given a diagnosis of migraine headaches was 1.42 (95% CI, 1.20-1.68) times higher than that of patients without migraine headaches.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that patients with migraine headaches are more likely to have comorbid DED compared with the general population. Although this association may not reflect cause and effect if unidentified confounders account for the results, these data suggest that patients with migraine headaches may be at risk of carrying a comorbid diagnosis of DED.

Reduced Visual Quality of Life Associated with Migraine is Most Closely Correlated with Symptoms of Dry Eye

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Patients with migraine frequently report ocular or visual symptoms including aura, photophobia, and eye pain. Using validated instruments, our group previously reported that due to these symptoms, patients have marked reductions in visual quality of life. In chronic migraine, these reductions can be as substantial as those reported for other neuro-ophthalmic diseases such as multiple sclerosis with optic neuritis and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Because the instruments take several different dimensions into account, we were unable to determine which ocular symptom(s) contributed to reduced visual quality of life. The purpose of this investigation was to attempt to determine which ocular symptom(s) were driving the observed reduction in visual quality of life.

METHODS

We designed a cross-sectional survey-based study to assess visual quality of life, headache impact, aura, dry eye, and photophobia in migraine patients. Subjects were recruited from the Headache Clinic and General Neurology Clinic at a tertiary teaching hospital. Subjects completed validated questionnaires including: The visual functioning questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25), the headache impact test (HIT-6), the visual aura rating scale (VARS), the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and the Utah photophobia score (UPSIS-17). Associations between VFQ-25 and OSDI, VFQ-25 and VARS, VFQ-25 and UPSIS-17, HIT-6 and OSDI, HIT-6 and VARS, and HIT-6 and UPSIS-17 were calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 62 patients who completed all questionnaires, 17 had episodic migraine and 45 had chronic migraine. Twenty-three patients experienced aura and 39 did not report aura. The most striking correlations were observed between the VFQ-25 and the OSDI (-0.678; P < .001), between the HIT-6 and UPSIS-17 (0.489; P < .001), and between the HIT-6 and OSDI (0.453; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dry eye seems to be the most important symptom that reduces visual quality of life and worsens headache impact. This symptom may be a form of allodynia, a well-known feature of chronic migraine. Photophobia appears to have modest effects on headache impact. In the future, we hope to determine whether treatment of dry eye symptoms can improve visual quality of life and reduce headache impact.

More Than Meets the Eye: The Eye and Migraine-What You Need to Know

Migraine has long been associated with disturbances of vision, especially migraine with aura. However, the eye plays an important role in sensory processing as well. We have found that the visual quality of life is reduced in migraine. In this review, we discuss how the migraine and eye pain pathways are similar and affect many of the common complaints which are seen in ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology offices, such as dry eye and postoperative eye pain. We also review other related phenomena, including visual snow and photophobia, which also are related to altered sensory processing in migraine.

Individuals with migraine have a different dry eye symptom profile than individuals without migraine

BACKGROUND

Many individuals with migraine report symptoms of dry eye (DE). However, it is not known whether DE profiles are similar between individuals with and without migraine. To bridge this gap, we evaluated symptoms and signs of DE, including symptoms suggestive of nerve dysfunction, in a large group of individuals with DE symptoms, and compared profiles between individuals with migraine and those without migraine or headache.

METHODS

Prospective cross-sectional study of individuals with DE symptoms seen at the Miami VA.

RESULTS

Of 250 individuals, 31 met International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria for migraine based on a validated screen. Individuals with migraine were significantly younger (57 vs 62 years) and more likely to be female (26% vs 6%) than controls. Individuals with migraine had more severe DE symptoms and ocular pain compared with controls (mean Ocular Surface Disease Index 53.93 ± 21.76 vs 36.30 ± 22.90, p=0.0001; mean Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye 39.39 ± 23.33 vs 21.86 ± 20.17, p=0.0001). The difference in symptom profile occurred despite similar ocular surface parameters between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with migraine had a different DE symptom yet a similar DE sign profile when compared with controls without migraine. This suggests that DE symptoms in individuals with migraine may be driven by nerve dysfunction as opposed to ocular surface abnormalities.

Tear osmolarity and subjective dry eye symptoms in migraine sufferers

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have suggested an association between dry eye and migraine. In a busy ophthalmologist clinic, quick identification of dry eye in migraine sufferers may improve their quality of life. Tear osmolarity is an objective and reliable tool for diagnosing dry eye. It has not been investigated in any population with migraine. Using tear osmolarity and questionnaires, we aimed to explore the relationship between dry eye and clinical symptoms in patients with migraine.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-four adults with migraine sequentially recruited from a single neurologist's practice.

METHODS

Patients were assessed for subjective and objective signs of migraine and dry eye by using the Migraine Disability Assessment Score, the Ocular Surface Disease Index, and tear osmolarity (TearLab). Headache characteristics were compared by using χ², Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Osmolarity scores were compared with scores for headache features.

RESULTS

Median age of patients was 38 years, and 76.5% were females. Severe migraine disability was reported in 75.6%, and 34.5% reported moderate to severe dry eye symptoms. Objectively, 49.5% had evidence of dry eye, significantly higher than the 20% recognized in the general population (p < 0.0001). Aura was found to occur more frequently with dry eye (43.8% vs 5.9%; p = 0.02). Those with daily headaches were also more likely to have higher tear osmolarity with marginal significance (median osmolarity 310 mOsm/L vs 299 mOsm/L; p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with migraine, especially those with aura, appear more likely to have dry eye, as indicated by tear osmolarity. Tear osmolarity may also be greater in those who suffer from daily headaches.

The impact of dysfunctional tear films and optical aberrations on chronic migraine

Background

Migraine is a multifactorial disorder with complex neuronal and vascular mechanisms that encompasses a wide clinical spectrum of symptoms, including ocular manifestations. Dry eye disease and dysfunction of ocular somatosensory pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis. The current study investigates the association between a dysfunctional tear film and ocular aberrations with migraine.

Methods

Sixty eyes of 30 patients with migraine and 60 eyes of 30 controls were studied. Dry eye evaluation included Schirmer’s test, tear film break-up time, corneal esthesiometry and lipid layer analysis using Lipiview® interferometer. Wavefront aberrations were measured using Optical Path Difference before performing the dry eye evaluation. The intraocular light scatter was quantified using the objective scatter index (OSI) of the optical quality analysis system. Measured parameters were compared between the migraine and the control group using independent sample t-test. Statistical analysis was performed using commercial software. A p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There were 19 females and 11 males in each group. Statistically significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to total aberrations (p = 0.049), higher order aberrations (p = 0.009), coma (p = 0.03), spherical aberrations (p = 0.018), Lipiview interferometric coloric units (p < 0.001) and OSI (p < 0.001). Trefoil (p = 0.26) and TBUT (p = 0.398) were not significantly different between both groups.

Conclusions

Ocular aberrations are higher in patients with migraine as compared with controls. Tear film abnormalities add to the aberrations in otherwise asymptomatic patients and may also be associated with migraineous attacks. Treating the ocular surface to obtain a healthy tear film might introduce a potential modifiable factor in the prevention of migraneous attacks.

Association Between Migraine and Dry Eye Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

PURPOSE

Despite the possible association between migraine and dry eye disease (DED), there are only a few studies investigating this link in a relatively limited number of patients. Therefore, we have analyzed the relationship between migraine and DED in the Korean population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This population-based cross-sectional study included 14 329 adults participating in the fifth annual Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012. Migraine, DED diagnosis, and DED symptoms were assessed using questionnaires and surveys. Data were analyzed using logistic regression to determine the association of migraine with DED while controlling for demographic, lifestyle, and medical factors.

RESULTS

Individuals with migraine were more likely to report a DED diagnosis (14.4% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.0001) and DED symptoms (22.0% vs. 15.1%, p < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, the association between migraine and DED diagnosis was significant after adjustments (OR, 1.577; 95% CI, 1.340-1.855). The association between migraine and DED symptoms showed a similar pattern (OR, 1.304; 95%CI, 1.151-1.502).

CONCLUSIONS

Although a causal relationship was not revealed, we found that patients who had a lifetime history of migraine were more likely to suffer from DED than individuals who did not present with headaches; this association may require confirmation. Large prospective cohort studies are required to evaluate the association between migraine and DED, as well as the influence of DED treatment on the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

Intraocular pressure and ocular biometric parameters changes in migraine

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the intraocular pressure and ocular biometric parameters in migraine patients during acute migraine attacks and compare them with painless period and healthy controls using a new optical biometer AL-Scan.

Methods

In this prospective, case–control study, the axial length, corneal curvature radius, anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness, and pupil size of 40 migraine patients during acute migraine attacks and painless period and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were measured using a AL-Scan optical biometer (Nidek Co., Gamagori, Japan). All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination before the measurements. IOP and biometer measurements were taken at the same time of day (10:00–12:00) in order to minimize the effects of diurnal variation.

Results

There was not a statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure between the migraine patients during acute migraine attacks (15.07 mmHg), painless period (14.10 mmHg), and the controls (15,73 ± 0,81). Also, the ocular biometric parameters did not significantly vary during the acute migraine attacks.

Conclusions

Further studies are needed to evaluate the etiopathologic relationship between intraocular pressure and ocular biometric parameters and acute migraine attack.

The Prevalence of Dry Eye and Sjögren Syndrome in Patients with Migraine

PURPOSE

To evaluate the presence of dry eye and primary Sjögren syndrome (SS) in patients with migraine.

METHODS

In total, 46 eyes of 46 patients with migraine (group 1) and 50 eyes of 50 healthy subjects (group 2) were included in this study. Detailed ophthalmologic, neurologic and rheumatologic examination were performed on all participants. Ocular surface disease index questionnaire, tear function tests, visual analog scale for pain, serologic analysis were also performed.

RESULTS

Dry eye symptoms and findings were significantly higher and more severe in group 1 when compared with group 2. Primary SS was not found in any of the participants. The migraine lifetime duration was negatively correlated with the tear function tests while it was positively correlated with the ocular surface disease index scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Dry eye symptoms and findings are higher in migraine patients when compared with the healthy subjects without the presence of Sjögren syndrome.