Seasonal variations in presenting symptoms and signs of dry eye disease in Norway

Abstract

The study investigated the seasonal variations of presenting symptoms and signs of dry eye disease (DED) in Norway. 652 consecutive DED patients examined between August 2012 and May 2015 in Oslo, Norway, were included. Presenting symptoms and signs were related to the season according to when each patient was examined. Weather report data from the examination day were compared with the presenting symptoms and signs. Oslo's mean seasonal temperatures during spring, summer, fall, and winter were 6.4 °C, 15.6 °C, 9.3 °C, and − 2.1 °C, respectively. Dry eye severity level and self-reported symptoms measured by the Ocular surface disease index questionnaire did not differ between seasons. Schirmer I was lower during summer than in other seasons (P < 0.01). The percentage of patients with a pathological tear meniscus height (< 0.2 mm) was higher during fall (P < 0.01) and lower during winter (P < 0.05) compared to the other seasons. Signs and symptoms of DED generally did not correlate with weather report data, although intraocular pressure was weakly associated with mean daily air temperature (r = − 0.22; P < 0.001). Neither dry eye severity level nor dry eye symptoms differ between seasons in Oslo, Norway. However, some parameters for assessing DED show seasonal variations (Schirmer I and tear meniscus height), which are essential to consider when examining patients with DED.

Seasonality of Tear Meniscus Volume and Dry Eye-Related Symptoms – A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Other investigations have indicated that seasonal changes in temperature, wind, and sunshine may all exacerbate DED. [16][17][18][19][20][21] Eidet et al 20 examined and interviewed 652 patients to determine a possible seasonality of signs and symptoms in DED, and found that neither DED severity level nor DED symptoms differed seasonally in Oslo, Norway. However, some parameters for DED showed seasonal variations (Schirmer test and tear meniscus height).…”

“…Tear meniscus level is closely associated with the pathology, signs, and symptoms of DED, 10 and these signs and symptoms may worsen with different seasons. [16][17][18][19][20][21] Ophthalmic practitioners often encounter patients complaining of dryness or other ocular surface symptoms in the drier seasons of winter and fall; however, little is known about which sign corresponds to which symptom in these seasons. Furthermore, the seasonality of tear meniscus level has not been determined.…”