Economic burden and loss of quality of life from dry eye disease in Canada

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the direct and indirect cost estimates of dry eye disease (DED), stratified by disease severity, and the impact of DED on quality of life (QoL) in Canadian patients.Methods and analysisA prospective, multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at six sites across Canada. Eligible patients completed a 20 min survey on demography, general health, disease severity, QoL and direct (resource utilisation and out-of-pocket expenses for the past 3–24 months) and indirect costs (absenteeism and presenteeism based on Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire responses). Subgroup analyses were performed according to DED severity and presence of Sjögren’s syndrome.ResultsResponses from 146 of 151 participants were included in the analysis. DED was rated as moderate or severe by 19.2% and 69.2% of patients, respectively. Total mean annual costs of DED were $C24 331 (Canadian dollars) per patient and increased with patient-reported disease severity. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) indirect costs for mild, moderate and severe disease were $C5961 ($C6275), $C16 525 ($C11 607), and $C25 485 ($C22,879), respectively. Mean (SD) direct costs were $C958 ($C1216), $C1303 ($C1574) and $C2766 ($C7161), respectively. QoL scores were lowest in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (8.2% of cohort) and those with severe DED.ConclusionThis study provides important insights into the negative impact of DED in a Canadian setting. Severe DED was associated with higher direct and indirect costs and lower QoL compared with those with mild or moderate disease. Increased costs and poorer QoL were also evident for patients with DED plus Sjögren’s syndrome versus DED alone.

Psychosocial Impact of Demodex Blepharitis

“…The available literature suggests that DED carries high socioeconomic costs as a result of both direct medical costs (health care visits and prescribed/over-the-counter drugs) and indirect costs (from impaired productivity or work absenteeism). 32 , 41 In the US, the annual burden of DED on the health care system has been estimated to be $3.84 billion. Lost work days and reduced productivity add another $55.4 billion in indirect costs.…”

Health and Work Performance Consequences of Working From Home Environment

“…It is well known that ergonomic measures while desk working in an office affect workers’ pain symptoms and performance 14,15 . Previous studies have shown that brightness and temperature/humidity factors may cause visual display terminal (VDT) syndrome among office workers, with eye strain and low back pain being consequences of the effects of the visual environment and working posture 16,17 . Similar effects are considered to occur in WFH.…”

“…14,15 Previous studies have shown that brightness and temperature/humidity factors may cause visual display terminal (VDT) syndrome among office workers, with eye strain and low back pain being consequences of the effects of the visual environment and working posture. 16,17 Similar effects are considered to occur in WFH. Foot space and working at an inappropriate table also may lead to inadequate postural adjustments and lower back pain.…”

2022 Glenn A. Fry Award lecture: Enhancing clinical assessment for improved ophthalmic management

“…The Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) defined dry eye as “a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiological roles.” 282 It is a disease of both symptoms and signs, so it is a subset of ocular surface disease. It was acknowledged as a disease, rather than a condition, because of its impact on individuals' lives, impacting quality of life, livelihoods, 283–285 and mental health 286–288 . Its prevalence has been reported to vary widely across different populations, 289 but some of the variation is likely due to the previous lack of accepted diagnostic criteria.…”