A Possible Reciprocal Relationship Between Myopia and Dry Eye Disease in Japanese Teenagers

Osama MA Ibrahim,1 Masahiko Ayaki,1,2 Erisa Yotsukura,1 Hidemasa Torii,1 Kazuno Negishi1 1Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; 2Otake Eye Clinic, Kanagawa, JapanCorrespondence: Osama MA Ibrahim; Masahiko Ayaki, Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinanomachi 35, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan, Tel +81-3-5363-2012, Fax +81-3-5363 3645 ; +81-3-5363-3087, Email osamaibrahim82@gmail.com; mayaki@olive.ocn.ne.jpPurpose: To investigate the relationship between dry eye disease (DED) and myopia in Japanese teenagers.Methods: This clinic-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study assessed DED condition in 10- to 19-year-old teenagers presenting at Japanese eye clinics. They included 106 high myopic patients (HM; mean age, 16.4 ± 2.2 years), 494 mild myopic patients (15.0 ± 2.6 years) and 82 non-myopic teenagers (NM; 13.8 ± 2.6 years). Subjective refraction and anisometropia were measured. Myopia grade was classified as HM (≤ − 6.00 D), MM (> − 6.00 D, < − 0.50 D), or NM (≥ − 0.5 D). The presence of DED-related symptoms including dryness, irritation, pain, fatigue, blurring and photophobia were assessed through a questionnaire. Tear film break-up time (BUT) and fluorescein corneal staining were investigated. Comparison among three groups and regression analysis of myopic error and other variables were conducted.Results: Anisometropia and astigmatic error were greatest in the HM group compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). The HM group reported less photophobia (p < 0.001) and less pain (p = 0.039) compared with the NM group. Regression analysis revealed that myopic error was correlated with astigmatic error (β = − 0.231, p < 0.001), anisometropia (β = − 0.191, p < 0.001), short BUT (β = − 0.086, p = 0.028) and the presence of diagnosed DED (β = − 0.112, p = 0.003). Dryness (β = − 0.127 p = 0.004), photophobia (β = 0.117, p = 0.002) and pain (β =