June 14, 2023 – Doctors often find that patients with dry eye (DED) report a foul mood. New research results now show that the connection between dry eye and depression can actually occur quite regularly.
It is estimated that 5 to 50% of individuals worldwide suffer from DED; greater than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with this disease. Dry eye occurs when there isn't enough tear fluid covering the cornea or the tears evaporate too quickly, in response to the Cleveland Clinic.
A connection between depression and dry eye has been previously foundedbut the main points of patients’ symptoms at the moment are becoming clearer. A brand new study A study by Saudi Arabian researchers found that of 401 people surveyed, 36.7% suffered from DED and 23.7% were diagnosed with depression, stress or anxiety.
A recent study Additionally, patients diagnosed with depression have been found to have more severe dry eye symptoms, which will be emotionally distressing.
“Depression is not just a matter of the mind – it is a disease that affects multiple systems in the body and disrupts their normal function,” said Howard L. Forman, MDPsychiatrist at Montefiore Health System and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.
29 percent of adults within the United States questioned this yr said they'd been diagnosed with depression in some unspecified time in the future of their lives.
“Dry eyes can affect daily enjoyment of life, which can worsen symptoms of depression,” said Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, a board-certified acupuncturist and professor of ophthalmology on the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Whether dry eyes cause depression or depression causes dry eyes is a chicken-and-egg question, but the two conditions are definitely related.”
Patients with these conditions can work with their doctor to make the obligatory changes to alleviate the symptoms of depression and DED.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe and should indicate a medical condition in the event that they last for two weeks or longer, in response to the American Psychiatric AssociationSigns include:
- sadness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in belongings you enjoy doing
- Eating an excessive amount of or too little
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Other people notice that you simply seem restless or lethargic
- Difficulty pondering or making decisions
- An absence of mental concentration
- Thoughts about suicide or death
- Sleep disorders.
“Depression can be made worse by lack of sleep, as can dry eyes,” said Dhaliwal, who can also be director of refractive surgery and director of the Cornea Service on the UPMC Vision Institute and founder and director of the Center for Integrative Eye Care on the University of Pittsburgh. A Chinese study found that throughout the stressful days of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of sleep increased DED symptoms within the people studied, which in turn caused them to feel more depressed and anxious.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
According to the National Eye Institute, dry eyes will be attributable to:
- A sandy or scratchy feeling in the attention
- Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
- Burning or stinging
- Red eyes
- Blurred vision
- Photosensitivity
What is the physical connection between depression and dry eye?
The exact mechanism isn't yet fully understood, but inflammation within the body could possibly be one among the most important causes.
“Inflammation of the surface of the eye may indicate a higher risk of depression,” Dhaliwal said.
Researchers think, that SSRIs – Antidepressants, which increase serotonin levels in your body and relieve symptoms of depression – also can increase inflammation, which in turn can worsen the symptoms of DED.
“Some antidepressants work by blocking signals between nerve cells, which can reduce the eye's natural response to produce the right tear film,” says Jennifer Tsai, OD, a board-certified optometrist and founding father of LINE OF SIGHT, an eye fixed care practice in New York City. “This reduces the amount of tears produced and causes dry eyes.”
Lifestyle will be one other essential factor.
“Depression and dry eyes can often be linked by external changes,” Tsai said. “Depression can change your habits, which can lead to things like increased screen time and poor eating habits. These changes can lead to increased tear evaporation and inevitably dry eyes.”
Research has also found that depression can alter the patient's pain processing, resulting in more severe DED symptoms. This may cause chronic physical discomfort that also impacts the emotional state.
“If you have trouble keeping your eyes open or have blurry vision, it can prevent you from doing activities you enjoy,” Forman said. “This can lead to more social isolation and less fulfilling days.”
What are you able to do to alleviate symptoms when depression and dry eyes occur at the identical time?
Pay attention to the circumstances that appear to be making you're feeling worse. Talking to a therapist about your emotional frustration will be very helpful. “If you experience dry eyes shortly after starting a medication, be sure to tell your doctor,” Forman said.
However, you should not have to stop taking any medications you would like.
“We never stop antidepressants because depression is a debilitating illness,” Dhaliwal said. Instead, a brand new medication could also be appropriate. And your doctor can provide help to give attention to improving eye symptoms.
“Non-drug treatments for dry eyes – such as warm compresses and eyelid hygiene – can be very helpful,” Dhaliwal said. “Omega-3 fatty acids, taken orally, can help not only with dry eyes, but also with mood.”
Blinking exercises may also help moisturize the surface of your eyes. You also can reduce stress through acupuncture, physical activity, and a healthy, balanced weight loss plan.
Dhaliwal sums it up like this: “All of these steps can help you feel better and take better control of your life.”