The effect of antihypertensive therapy on dry eye disease

Occupational ocular health problems among marble workers at Shaq El Tho'ban industrial area in Egypt

Eye health of the working population is an essential condition for productivity. Marble industry is processed at large scale at Shaq El Tho'ban area where much dust, crushed pieces of stone, and fluctuating temperatures are endangering employees' health generally and eye health specifically. The objectives of this study were assessing the prevalence of the most common ocular health problems associated with marble industry and investigating the impact of the working environment and occupational risk factors on the oculo-visual status of marble workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 workers, working at Shaq El Tho'ban area in Egypt during the period from August 2020 to September 2021, using a semi-structured questionnaire and eye examination comprised of full ocular history, visual acuity testing (unaided/aided), slit lamp examination, ophthalmoscopy, and Schirmer's type I and tear break up time tests. The current study showed that gritty sensation (65.2%) and eye dryness (51.2%) were the commonest symptoms complained. By examination, conjunctival hyperemia (59.6%) was the most prevalent finding. By performing dry eye tests, dry eye was diagnosed in 60.4% and 51.2% of workers by Schirmer's test and tear break up time test respectively. The study's results indicated that age, working category, smoking, and diabetes had significant impact on development of ocular symptoms, while working duration, diabetes, smoking, ocular symptoms, and ocular foreign body had significant impact on development of dry eye disease. Implementation of engineering control measures, proper designing, and supply of eye PPE together with adequate health education to all workers about occupational health risks and preventive measures are recommended.

Distribution and Correlation of Ocular Surface Disease Index Scores in a Non-Clinical Population: The Karachi Ocular Surface Disease Study

Introduction There is increasing recognition of dry eye disease (DED) as a significant factor influencing quality of life in seemingly normal individuals. Our goal was to determine the distribution of Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores in non-clinical individuals in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods We distributed OSDI questionnaires to subjects aged > 18 years with no active ocular complaint. Examiners were selected from various areas of the city to administer questionnaires to students and the general population. The OSDI score was grouped as per the following: normal (0-12 points), mild (13-22 points), moderate (23-32 points), and severe (33-100 points). Results We surveyed 2433 individuals with a mean age of 30.7±15.6 years. Additionally, the mean OSDI score was 22.4±18.7. To estimate prevalence, we used two OSDI score cutoffs: >13 (64.4%) and >22 points (43.6%). Statistical significance was found using multivariate regression in the following variables: age (p<0.001), contact lens wear (p<0.001), ocular allergies (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), diabetes (p=0.003), and smoking (p=0.047). When graphing mean age against OSDI score, there was a large jump between the third and fourth decades; thereafter, there was a steady increase. Similarly, when plotting smoking, the score was steady until five years and then there was a sharp incline. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of DED in the studied population. Additionally, many systemic and ocular factors were associated with this disease.

Subjective Complaints of Ocular Dryness and Xerostomia Among the Non-Sjögren Adult Population of Lublin Region, Poland

Background

Eye and mouth dryness are the most common symptoms reported during ophthalmological and dental examinations, and their frequency increases with age. In connection with population aging and the huge variety of factors and conditions that can induce this condition, it is becoming a serious and growing problem. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether ocular dryness and concomitant xerostomia is associated with particular systemic diseases.

Material/Methods

We enrolled 642 non-Sjögren patients referred for examination to the ophthalmology or dental clinic of Lublin region, Poland. The research was conducted using a standardized interview: The Interview and Examination Questionnaire. All patients responded to the survey questions, which concerned systemic diseases, lifestyle, with special emphasis on computer work, spending time in polluted and air-conditioned rooms, and subsequent questions about the subjective symptoms of ocular and mouth dryness.

Results

There were 424 patients who presented signs and symptoms of both ocular and mouth dryness. Our study showed a statistically significant association between this condition and the age and sex of the patients and systemic diseases such as hypertension (p=0.0000), cardiovascular disease (p=0.057), and stress (p=0.036), and time spent at the computer (p=0.00015).

Conclusions

Ocular dryness and concomitant xerostomia may occur in apparently healthy individuals, but is more frequent in patients with systemic disorders. The lack of dry eye and dry mouth symptoms does not exclude insufficient tearing and salivation; thus, the disorders are usually underestimated. Our study indicates that ocular and mouth dryness are the most common conditions seen in out-patients, due to increased use of medications, computers, and air conditioning.

Magnitude of diabetes and hypertension among patients with Dry Eye Syndrome at a tertiary hospital of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - A case series

Purpose

To study the magnitude of chronic diseases among patients suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) and compare them with published findings in the literature.

Methods

Patients diagnosed in 2016 suffering from DES based on presenting symptoms and findings of ocular examination were included in this study. The demographic information included age and gender. Chronic diseases among them were identified through case records, assessment and ongoing medications.

Results

This case series had 62 patients (58% males) of DES. The mean age was 60.2 ± 16.6 years. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes among them was 48.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 31.5–65.5), 55.9% (95% CI 40.1–71.7) and 47.1% (95% CI 29.8–64.4) respectively. The rate of thyroid diseases (16.2%), renal diseases (6.5%), and liver diseases (6.7%) was not significant in this series.

Conclusions

This series in central Saudi Arabia suggests that the magnitude of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia seems to be higher in patients with DES compared to the population.