by Joel Harrison
11. April 2011 11:49
Dry eye disease (DED) affects approximately half of all contact lens wearers and is one of the most common reasons why they stop using contact lenses and opt for glasses instead. New research gives us more information on how the condition affects an individual’s productivity, showing how important the problem is.
The study, in the form of a web-based survey, included 9034 patients belonging to the Harris Interactive Online dry eye panel. Researchers evaluated work productivity and impairment in daily activity with the use of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire and compared patients from different severity groups.
All three severity groups (mild, moderate, severe) complained about lower work productivity, though individuals with moderate and severe DED exhibited more significant reductions. As far as daily activities are concerned, patients with severe DED reported much more serious impairment than other patients.
Though the results of the study should be evaluated cautiously because of the research’s being web-based, the investigators stated that dry eye disease had a significant impact on the loss of productivity at work and impairment of daily activities.
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