Association between dry eye disease and poor sleep quality in the elderly

The elderly are at higher risk for sleep disorders and dry eye. This study explored correlations between dry eye and sleep quality in elderly individuals. 58 elderly dry eye patients and 31 controls were enrolled. Sleep quality was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and wearable intelligent devices. Dry eye symptoms and signs were assessed via Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Fluorescein tear breakup time (FBUT), Corneal fluorescein staining score (CFS) and Schirmer I test. The dry eye group showed significantly worse OSDI, FBUT, CFS, Schirmer I, and PSQI scores versus controls (all P < 0.01), with reduced deep sleep duration ( P = 0.02) and deep sleep percentage ( P < 0.01). Among dry eye patients, 69.0% had poor sleep, and 94.8% slept less than 8 h (mean: 6.51 ± 0.83 h). Subjective sleep quality correlated with FBUT and CFS ( P < 0.05). A correlation was found between deep sleep percentage (%) and FBUT ( r = 0.296, P < 0.05) and CFS ( r =-0.418, p < 0.01). Prolonged video terminal use reduced deep sleep percentage (%) (F = 5.18, P < 0.01) and worsened FBUT ( P < 0.01). Elderly dry eye patients exhibit poorer sleep quality. Reduced deep sleep percentage (%) in elderly correlates with dry eye, and excessive video terminal use may contribute.