Risk Factors for Dry Eye in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors for dry eye in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy patients. METHODS: The present retrospective study was conducted on 78 eyes in 39 patients diagnosed with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. The risk factors for dry eye in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy patients were examined by analyzing data including tear break-up time, Schirmer's test, age, gender, thyroid function status, palpebral fissure width, lagophthalmos, eyelid retraction, and exophthalmos through multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The risk factors for dry eye disease were palpebral fissure width (OR = 3.422, p = 0.022) and lagophthalmos (OR = 13.068, p = 0.049). Age, gender, thyroid hormone status, eyelid retraction and exophthalmos did not show significant association with dry eye in multiple logistic regression analysis. The only risk factor for tear film break-up time less than 10 seconds was palpebral fissure width (OR = 2.787, p = 0.045), and none of the risk factors for Schirmer's test less than 10 mm at 5 minutes were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for dry eye in thyroid ophthalmopathy patients were palpebral fissure width and lagophthalmos.