Michael T M Wang1, Alex Muntz1, Joevy Lim1, Ji Soo Kim1, Lucas Lacerda2, Aditya Arora1, Jennifer P Craig3. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Catholic University of Brasilia, Brazil. 3. Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Electronic address: jp.craig@auckland.ac.nz.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of ageing on ocular surface parameters, and empirically determine optimal prognostic cut-off ages for clinical markers of dry eye disease, aqueous tear deficiency, and meibomian gland dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 1331 community residents (785 females, 546 males; mean ± SD age, 38 ± 19 years) were recruited in a prospective registry-based cross-sectional study. Dry eye symptomology, ocular surface characteristics, and tear film quality were evaluated for each participant within a single clinical session, in accordance with the global consensus recommendations of the TFOS DEWS II reports. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated positive associations between ageing and clinical markers of dry eye disease (all p ≤ 0.001). The Youden-optimal prognostic cut-off ages for signs of meibomian gland dysfunction occurred during the third decade of life (24-29 years); the optimal predictive ages for lid wiper epitheliopathy, tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, and dry eye symptoms occurred during the fourth decade of life (31-38 years); while the optimal prognostic thresholds for signs of aqueous tear deficiency and ocular surface staining occurred in the fifth and sixth decades of life (46-52 years). CONCLUSIONS: Advancing age is a significant risk factor for dry eye disease, which represents a growing public health concern with the ageing population worldwide. Signs of meibomian gland dysfunction appeared earlier in the natural history of disease progression, and the brief delay prior to the development of other clinical dry eye signs might represent a window of opportunity for preventative interventions in the young adult age group.
PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of ageing on ocular surface parameters, and empirically determine optimal prognostic cut-off ages for clinical markers of dry eye disease, aqueous tear deficiency, and meibomian gland dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 1331 community residents (785 females, 546 males; mean ± SD age, 38 ± 19 years) were recruited in a prospective registry-based cross-sectional study. Dry eye symptomology, ocular surface characteristics, and tear film quality were evaluated for each participant within a single clinical session, in accordance with the global consensus recommendations of the TFOS DEWS II reports. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated positive associations between ageing and clinical markers of dry eye disease (all p ≤ 0.001). The Youden-optimal prognostic cut-off ages for signs of meibomian gland dysfunction occurred during the third decade of life (24-29 years); the optimal predictive ages for lid wiper epitheliopathy, tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, and dry eye symptoms occurred during the fourth decade of life (31-38 years); while the optimal prognostic thresholds for signs of aqueous tear deficiency and ocular surface staining occurred in the fifth and sixth decades of life (46-52 years). CONCLUSIONS: Advancing age is a significant risk factor for dry eye disease, which represents a growing public health concern with the ageing population worldwide. Signs of meibomian gland dysfunction appeared earlier in the natural history of disease progression, and the brief delay prior to the development of other clinical dry eye signs might represent a window of opportunity for preventative interventions in the young adult age group.