Low Vision and Dry Eye: Does One Diagnosis Overshadow the Other?

Significance The prevalence of dry eye disease and low vision increases with age; they share risk factors and can be the result of underlying common causes. They are generally studied separately; however, combining these perspectives is relevant for research on assistive technology given that sustained focus affects the tear film because of decreased blinking rates. Purpose The objective of this study was to elucidate to which extent dry eye disease risk factors, signs, and symptoms are assessed in low vision patients who receive an eye examination as part of their vision rehabilitation services. Methods Using a retrospective chart review, dry eye disease risk factors, signs, or symptoms were extracted from 201 randomly selected files that contained an eye examination in the past 5 years from two vision rehabilitation centers. Results Demographic variables of charts from the two sites did not differ (mean visual acuity, 0.85 logMAR [standard deviation, 0.53; range, 0 to 2.3]; mean age, 71.2 years [standard deviation, 19 years; range, 24 to 101 years]). Fifty charts (25%) mentioned at least one dry eye disease symptom. Sixty-one charts (30.3%) reported systemic medications that can exacerbate dry eye disease, whereas 99 (49.2%) contained at least one systemic disease thought to contribute to dry eye disease symptoms; 145 (72.1%) mentioned at least one type of ocular surgery. Artificial tears were documented in 74 charts (36.8%). Few specific dry eye tests were performed, with the exception of corneal integrity assessment reported in 18 charts (8.95%). Conclusions Low vision patients have multiple risk factors for dry eye disease; however, dry eye disease tests were not frequently performed in comprehensive low vision eye examinations in this sample. More efforts should be made to assess dry eye disease to enhance comfort and functional vision, especially with the increasing demands of digital devices as visual aids.