Evaluation of the Relationship Between COVID-19 Severity and Dry Eye Disease in SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients
Seyed Hashem Daryabari1 *, Seyyed Morteza Hosseini Imeni2
- Baghiatollah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Shahid Beheshti University Of Medical Sciences
Abstract: This cross-sectional study investigates the occurrence and severity of dry eye disease (DED) among individuals
who have previously contracted COVID-19.
Methods: The study involved 76 participants who had recovered from COVID-19. Both subjective and objective
assessments, including the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test,
and corneal staining, were utilized to evaluate the presence of DED.
Results: The participants, with a mean age of 54.55 ± 10.61 years, exhibited a significant incidence of DED postCOVID-19, with a considerable number showing moderate to severe symptoms. The study found that individuals with a
history of ICU admission and those who underwent oxygen therapy or non-invasive ventilation were at a higher risk of
developing DED
Conclusion: COVID-19 may serve as a contributing factor to the development of DED, especially in those who
experienced moderate to severe illness. Additional research is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying this
connection and to develop effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of DED in patients recovering from COVID-
19.
