Cross-sectional Study Exploring Vision-related Quality of Life in Dry Eye Disease in a Norwegian Optometric Practice

SIGNIFICANCE: Dry eye disease causes ocular pain, blurred vision, reduced visual quality of life, and reduced workplace performance. This disease is underreported and underdiagnosed despite being highly prevalent in optometric care. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the vision-related quality of life of patients with dry eye disease and the potential benefits of screening for dry eye disease in Norwegian optometric practice. METHODS: This study adopted an observational, prospective, cross-sectional design. All patients between 18 and 70 years of age who were examined between June 8 and July 5, 2018, at Erøy Optikk, Kristiansand, Norway, were invited to participate. Dry eye disease was assessed according to Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society International Dry Eye Workshop II report recommendations. Vision-related quality of life was assessed with the National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients participated in the study; 29 (59%) were female, and 29 (59%) had dry eye disease. The patients with dry eye disease reported significantly more ocular pain and (vision-specific) role difficulties than the patients without dry eye disease. After adjusting for age, sex, and habitual visual acuity, dry eye disease was found to be an independent predictor of both ocular pain (r(2) = 0.328, P = .001) and (vision-specific) role difficulties (r(2) = 0.240, P = .02). Both habitual visual acuity and dry eye disease were predictors of reduced general vision, a reduced score for near activity and reduced (vision-specific) mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Dry eye disease was an independent predictor of ocular pain (vision-specific), role difficulties, and reduced general vision, near vision, and (vision-specific) mental health. Optometrists should consider dry eye disease as a cause of reduced vision and quality of vision. Furthermore, we propose that screening for dry eye disease in Norwegian optometric practice can promote better vision and health among patients.