Dry eye Disease A consequence of aging, study finds

A recent study found that Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a consequence of Ageing. The study was published in the journal, "The Ocular Surface."

Similar to many other age-related ocular conditions like glaucoma, and cataracts, Dry eye disease is a common age-related ocular surface disease. But much research has not been conducted on how aging affects the ocular microenvironment. So researchers from Japan, U.S.A, and China conducted a systematic review to know the effect of aging on the ocular microenvironment and the development of DED. 

Using the search strategy articles were retrieved from databases like PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science. There were 44 studies on age-related ocular changes and 14 epidemiological studies on the prevalence of DED. Meta-analysis was conducted on 8 out of 14 epidemiological studies using the PRISMA guidelines. Study-specific estimates (impact of aging on the prevalence of DED) were combined using a one-group meta-analysis in a random-effects model. 

Results: 

•  The prevalence of DED in the elderly aged ≥ 60 years was 5519 of 60107 (9.2%) as per meta-analysis. 
• The odds ratio of aging compared to younger age was 1.313 as per meta-analysis.
• The integrity of the ocular surface and tear film stability decreased With increasing age.
• Various inflammatory cells, including senescent-associated T-cells, infiltrated the ocular surface epithelium, lacrimal gland, and meibomian gland. 
• There were senescence-related changes like accumulation of 8-OHdG and lipofuscin-like inclusions, increased expression of p53 and apoptosis-related genes, and decreased Ki67 positive cells.

Thus, the researchers concluded that the aging process greatly impacts the ocular surface microenvironment, leading to DED consequently. However, they added that the degree to which senescent cells at the ocular surface influence the pathology of DED remains unknown, and further understanding of the aging process at the ocular surface is needed. 

To read the full article, click here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2022.06.004

Kitazawa K, Inotmata T, Shih K, et al. Impact of aging on the pathophysiology of dry eye disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 23]. Ocul Surf. 2022;25:108-118. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2022.06.004