New research investigated the potential association between lifestyle factors and dry eye symptoms in pediatric patients.
Give me some background first.
Dry eye is an ocular surface disease (OSD) condition that affects millions of Americans every year.
In an article published by the National Eye Institute last updated on November 15, 2023, they estimated that nearly 16 million Americans have dry eye.
While anyone can develop dry eye, it is most likely to occur in individuals who are:
- Aged 50+
- Female
- Wearing contact lenses
- Not consuming enough Vitamin A
- Diagnosed with certain autoimmune conditions
Now, talk about the study.
Researchers recruited individuals who presented at the Illinois Eye Institute. They surveyed participants on electronic screen time and a modified, child-friendly Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).
The researchers also surveyed parents on their child’s:
- Screen time
- Diet
- Outdoor activity
All participants had a comprehensive eye exam and their BMI was calculated using measured height and weight.
Back up: Explain the OSDI.
The OSDI is a 12-item questionnaire that assesses dry eye symptoms and the impact it has on vision-related function in the past week of an individual’s life.
The following changes were made to make the OSDI child-friendly:
- The second question (eyes that feel gritty) was changed to “eyes that feel something inside”
- The seventh question (driving at night) was removed due to the age of the study population
- The eighth question (working with a computer or bank machine [ATM]) was modified to “using an iPad or tablet”
Note: The examiner was allowed to repeat questions if the child did not understand them.
Who was included in the study?
The study included 160 pediatric participants with the following demographics:
- 76 boys
- 84 girls
- Mean age: 10.9 years
- Ranged: 5.7 to 17.8
And what was evaluated in each patient?
The following lifestyle factors:
- Screen time
- Time spent on outdoor activities
- Diet
- Body mass index (BMI)
Findings?
Of the participants:
- 16.9% had mild dry eye symptoms
- 8.8% had moderate dry eye symptoms
- 12.5% had severe dry eye symptoms
What was the data for screen time?
Average screen time per week was:
- 9.2 hours reported by children
- 8.5 hours reported by adults
Plus: A statistically significant difference was also observed (P = 0,04)
Additionally: A “significant correlation was found between the screen time reported by children and parents (rs= 0.40, P< 0.0001)."
- Note:( rs) = Spearman coefficient
What about OSDI data?
The investigators found that:
- Mean OSDI score was 14.7± 15.2
- OSDI score was not associated with age, race, gender, screen time, outdoor activities, and diet
- Ps >0.05
And the data for BMI?
The following was reported:
- Multiple regression showed that high BMI was a significant risk factor for dry eye symptoms
- β= 0.16, P = 0.04
- BMI was significantly correlated with age
- rs= 0.54, P< 0.0001
- BMI was significantly correlated with outdoor activity
- rs= -0.24, P= 0.008
Expert opinion?
The authors stated that their research may help to define strategies for preventing dry eye in children.
Take home.
High BMI was found to be a significant risk factor for dry eye symptoms in children aged 5 to <18 years.