The evaluation of tear production and dry eye symptoms in patients with osteoporosis

Abstract

Aims: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass, compromised bone density and strength. Dry eye is a common disease of the ocular surface characterized by tear film instability with ocular discomfort, pain, and visual disturbances. Both conditions share risk factors, including age, gender, and hormonal factors. In this study, our aim is to assess the tear production and dry eye symptoms in patients with osteoporosis and compare their results a control group without osteoporosis.
 Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 32 osteoporosis patients and 30 age-matched controls without osteoporosis. Tear production was assessed using Schirmer test and the symptoms of dry eye using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. The results of both groups were compared.
 Results: The mean age of the osteoporosis group was 61.4±4.9 years, and the mean age of the control group was 57.7±6.4 years (p:0.224). The Schirmer test results were 12.3±7.4 mm for the osteoporosis group and 23.1±13.7 mm for the control group. The Schirmer test results were significantly lower in the osteoporosis group (p:0.009). The mean OSDI scores for the osteoporosis group was 30.4±23.1 while it was 20.6±14.6 for the control group. The difference was not statistically significant (p:0.329). 
 Conclusion: This study reveals a potential connection between osteoporosis and dry eye. Patients with osteoporosis have lower tear production compared to control group without osteoporosis. Further research is necessary to understand this relationship and its implications.