Correlation between dry eye and refractive error in Saudi young adults using noninvasive Keratograph 4

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to study the correlation between dry eye and refractive errors in young adults using noninvasive Keratograph. Methods: In this cross sectional study, a total of 126 participants in the age range of 19-25 years and who were free of ocular surface disease, were recruited from King Saud University Campus. Refraction was defined by the spherical equivalent (SE) as the following: 49 emmetropic eyes (±0.50 SE), 48 myopic eyes (≤-0.75 SE and above), and 31 hyperopic eyes (>+0.75 SE). All participants underwent full ophthalmic examinations assessing their refractive status and dryness level including noninvasive breakup time (NIBUT) and tear meniscus height using Keratograph 4. Results: The prevalence of dry eye was 24.6%, 36.5%, and 17.4% in emmetropes, myopes, and hypermetropes, respectively. NIBUT has a negative correlation with hyperopia and a positive correlation with myopia with a significant reduction in the average NIBUT in myopes and hypermetropes in comparison to emmetropes. Conclusion: The current results succeeded to demonstrate a correlation between refractive errors and dryness level.