Evaluation of Objective Signs and Subjective Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Aim. To evaluate tear film parameters and relationship of objective clinical signs and subjective symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subgroups. Methods. 39 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), 26 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 39 control persons with no ocular symptoms or surface disorders were included in this prospective, case-control, and cross-sectional study. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire was applied to evaluate dry eye symptoms, and objective tests of DED were performed on both eyes of each subject. Results. The average of OSDI scores was 30.59 (±16.68) in CD patients, 24.67 (±23.48) in UC patients, and 11.19 (±5.8) in controls. Except for tear film breakup time (tBUT) and Schirmer-I values other objective parameters were better in UC patients, than in CD patients. CD patients rather than UC patients tend to develop DED. This was associated with immunosuppressant and TNF-α inhibitor use. Conclusions. Clinicians must be aware of the spectrum of DED involvement in IBD and suggest using artificial tears in order to decrease severity of ocular complications.