Association of Dry Eye Disease With Dyslipidemia and Statin Use

Link Between Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation, and Eye Diseases

Metabolic syndrome (MetS)-a cluster of conditions including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance-is increasingly recognized as a key risk factor for the development of various eye diseases. The metabolic dysfunctions associated with this syndrome contribute to vascular and neurodegenerative damage within the eye, influencing disease onset and progression. Understanding these links highlights the importance of early diagnosis and management of metabolic syndrome to prevent vision loss and improve ocular health outcomes. This review explores the intricate interplay between metabolic syndrome, chronic low-grade inflammation, and eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome. It highlights how inflammatory mediators, oxidative damage, and metabolic dysregulation converge to compromise ocular structures, including the retina, optic nerve, and ocular surface. We discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning these associations and examine evidence from clinical and experimental studies. Given the rising global prevalence of metabolic syndrome, addressing this connection is crucial for improving overall patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should focus on delineating the precise mechanisms linking these diseases as well as exploring targeted interventions that address both metabolic and ocular health.

Association between statin use and dry eye disease in patients with hyperlipidemia: A population-based retrospective cohort study

Higher serum cholesterol levels have been associated with an increased risk of dry eye disease (DED). The relationship between statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) use and DED in patients with hyperlipidemia remains unclear. To investigate the association between statin use and the risk of DED in patients with hyperlipidemia, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study utilizing data from Taiwan's Longitudinal Generation Tracking Database. Patients were categorized into statin users and nonusers, with a 5-year follow-up period. The study identified patients with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia, excluding those with prior DED diagnoses. Matching and adjustments for covariates resulted in 41,931 individuals in each group. Patients receiving statin therapy were compared with those unexposed. Cumulative exposure doses were also evaluated to assess dose-response relationships. The primary outcome was the incidence of DED diagnosed during the follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated the risk of DED, and conditional logistic regression analyzed the dose-response effect of statin exposure. Among 41,931 matched pairs, statin users exhibited a slightly increased risk of developing DED compared with nonusers (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; p < 0.01). However, no dose-response relationship was observed between statin exposure and DED risk. Statin use among patients with hyperlipidemia is associated with a marginally higher risk of DED. These findings underscore the importance of regular eye examinations in this patient population to facilitate early detection and management of DED.

Melatonin alleviates high-fat-diet-induced dry eye by regulating macrophage polarization via IFT27 and lowering ERK/JNK phosphorylation

Dry eye disease is the most common ocular surface disease globally, requiring a more effective treatment. We observed that a high-fat diet induced macrophage polarization to M1 and further induced inflammation in the meibomian and lacrimal glands. A four-week treatment with melatonin (MLT) eye drops can regulate macrophage polarization and alleviate dry eye signs. To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of MLT on high-fat-diet-induced dry eye disease in mice, RAW 264.7 cells pretreated with LPS and/or MLT underwent digital RNA with the perturbation of genes sequencing (DRUG-seq). Results showed that IFT27 was up-regulated, and MAPK pathways were suppressed after MLT pre-treatment. ERK/JNK phosphorylation was reduced in meibomian glands of MLT-treated dry eye mice and increased in IFT27 knockdown RAW 264.7 cells. In summary, MLT regulated macrophage polarization via IFT27 and reduced ERK/JNK phosphorylation. These results support that MLT is a promising medication for dry eye disease.

Association Between Baseline Serum Lipids and Severity of Dry Eye Symptoms in Acne Patients Treated with Isotretinoin

BACKGROUND

Isotretinoin is a commonly prescribed medication for moderate-to-severe acne. Elevated triglycerides and total cholesterol, as well as eye dryness, are frequent side effects of isotretinoin.  Objective: This study aims to examine the association between serum baseline levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol with regards to the severity of dry eye symptoms in acne patients treated with isotretinoin.

METHOD

The study was a retrospective review of acne patients treated with isotretinoin for at least four months at the dermatology clinics of Qassim University Medical City, Saudi Arabia. Thirty patients were included in the study as they met the inclusion criteria. Baseline levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol were reviewed for these patients. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was sent and filled out by the study participants to assess the severity of eye dryness.

RESULT

30 patients were included in the study, with 16 (53.3%) females and 14 (46.7%) males. The average age of participants was 22.1 years. The duration of treatment was between 120 and 140 days in 13 (43.3%) participants and 140 and 180 days in 17 (56.7%) participants. The mean ± 1 standard deviation (SD) was reported for each of the three variables, with an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score of 27.6 ± 19.2, a baseline total cholesterol of 4.4 ± 0.9 mmol/L, and a baseline triglyceride level of 0.83 ± 0.4 mmol/L. Using a multiple linear regression model, baseline triglycerides and total cholesterol were used as predictors of the OSDI score. There was a significant dependent interaction between baseline total cholesterol and triglycerides and their effect on the OSDI score, with a higher OSDI score at higher levels of both triglycerides and cholesterol and a lower OSDI score at lower levels of both triglycerides and cholesterol. The study result showed that, in acne patients treated with isotretinoin for at least four months, a higher baseline level of both triglycerides and total cholesterol is associated with worse dry eye symptoms compared to those with lower baseline levels.

CONCLUSION

 The study concluded that baseline levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol are both significant predictors of the severity of dry eye symptoms in acne patients treated with isotretinoin. Despite study limitations due to the small sample size, we hope that, based on our findings, this will open the door to future studies with a larger sample size to further confirm our findings generalize the result, and apply it to clinical practice so that clinicians may identify those at higher risk of severe eye dryness before starting isotretinoin and subsequently be able to recommend specific measures to minimize symptoms of eye dryness.

The Association between Ovarian Cancer and the Incidence of Newly Developed Dry Eye Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

We aim to investigate the potential correlation between the presence of ovarian cancer and the development of dry eye disease (DED) via the usage of the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) of Taiwan. A retrospective cohort study was executed, and patients with ovarian cancer were selected according to the diagnostic and procedure codes. One ovarian cancer patient was matched to four non-ovarian cancer participants which served as control group, and a total of 4992 and 19,968 patients constructed the ovarian cancer and control groups, respectively. The primary outcome in the current study is the development of DED according to the diagnostic and procedure codes. Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to produce the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and related 95% confidence interval (CI) of DED between the two groups. There were 542 and 2502 DED events observed in the ovarian cancer group and the control group, respectively. The ovarian cancer group illustrated a significantly higher incidence of DED development than the control group after the adjustment of several confounders (aHR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21, p = 0.040). In the subgroup analysis stratified by age, ovarian cancer patients aged older than 60 years showed a higher incidence of DED compared to the non-ovarian cancer population (aHR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08-1.28, p = 0.011). In addition, ovarian cancer patients with a disease duration longer than five years also showed higher incidence of DED formation than the non-ovarian cancer population (aHR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22, p = 0.027). In conclusion, the presence of ovarian cancer is associated with higher incidence of subsequent DED, especially in those older than 60 years and with a disease interval of more than five years.

Cholesterol metabolism: physiological regulation and diseases

Cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for cellular and systemic function. The disorder of cholesterol metabolism not only accelerates the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but is also the fundamental cause of other ailments. The regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the human is an extremely complex process. Due to the dynamic balance between cholesterol synthesis, intake, efflux and storage, cholesterol metabolism generally remains secure. Disruption of any of these links is likely to have adverse effects on the body. At present, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal cholesterol metabolism is closely related to various systemic diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which cholesterol metabolism contributes to disease pathogenesis remains unclear, and there are still unknown factors. In this review, we outline the metabolic process of cholesterol in the human body, especially reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Then, we discuss separately the impact of abnormal cholesterol metabolism on common diseases and potential therapeutic targets for each disease, including CVD, tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. At the end of this review, we focus on the effect of cholesterol metabolism on eye diseases. In short, we hope to provide more new ideas for the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases from the perspective of cholesterol.

Association between dyslipidaemia and dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To report a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between dry eye disease (DED) and dyslipidaemia.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from January 2000 to December 2021. We included observational studies to assess the correlation of DED with meibomian gland dysfunction and dyslipidaemia without any language restrictions. The pooled OR with 95% CI was calculated in Stata V.15.

RESULTS

Of 6727 identified studies, 18 studies (21 databases) with a total of 2 663 126 patients were analysed in our meta-analysis. The results showed that DED risk was associated with dyslipidaemia (OR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.41 to 1.66, p=0.001), especially elevated total cholesterol levels (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.99, p<0.001), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.20, p<0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (OR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.11, p<0.001), but not with serum triglyceride levels. Moreover, having a history of lipid-lowering drug use (OR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.67, p<0.001) was also found to be positively associated with DED risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggested that dyslipidaemia and lipid-lowering drug use might be associated with an increased risk of DED. More evidence is needed to confirm the findings by prospective studies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022296664.

Association of lipid-lowering agent use and dry eye disease: A nationwide matched case-control study in Taiwan, 2002-2016

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between lipid-lowering agent use and the risks of diagnosed dry eye disease (DED).

METHODS

This retrospective, case-control study included 780 786 patients who received lipid-lowering agents in 2002-2016, of which 17 409 were newly diagnosed with DED during a ≥2-year follow-up period. These patients were matched 1:4 with control participants for age, sex, and comorbidities. Separate odds ratios (OR) were calculated for DED and each of statin and fibrate use.

RESULTS

Statin users had significantly higher odds of DED (adjusted OR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-1.16, p < 0.0001) than nonusers. Fibrate users did not show higher odds of DED than nonusers (adjusted OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.99-1.10, p = 0.125). The lipophilic statin users did not show higher odds of DED compared with the hydrophilic statin users (adjusted OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.93-1.06, p = 0.729). Among statin users, the odds of DED did not differ significantly between patients receiving statin therapy for >180 days vs. ≤90 days or patients receiving statin therapy for 91-180 days vs. ≤90 days (adjusted OR = 1.00, p = 0.922; adjusted OR = 0.94, p = 0.541, respectively). The odds of DED were not statistically different among patients receiving low-intensity, moderate-intensity, and high-intensity of statin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving statin therapy had a higher DED risk than patients not receiving statin therapy. The type of statin, the duration, and the intensity of statin use were not significantly associated with DED risks. Further studies are required to identify the relevant factors related to DED risks with statin.

PCSK9 inhibitor, ezetimibe, and bempedoic acid: Evidence-based therapies for statin-intolerant patients

Statins are first-line therapy for treating dyslipidemia because of their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering efficacy, superior event-reduction data and unrivaled cost-effectiveness. Yet, many people are intolerant of statins, whether due to true adverse events or the nocebo effect, so within one year about two-thirds of primary prevention patients and one-third of secondary prevention patients are no longer taking their prescription. Statins still dominate this landscape, but other agents, often used in combination, potently reduce LDL-C levels, regress atherosclerosis and lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Ezetimibe lowers LDL-C by reducing intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) lower LDL-C by increasing the number and durability of hepatic LDL receptors. Bempedoic acid reduces hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Ezetimibe, PCSK9i and bempedoic are evidence-based, non-statin therapies that synergistically lower LDL-C and reduce risk of MACE; they also have benign side-effect profiles and are generally well tolerated.

Rosacea Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Posterior Blepharitis May Be a Marker for Earlier Associated Dyslipidaemia and Inflammation Detection and Treatment with Statins

Posterior blepharitis and dry eye are common disorders with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a principal driver of their pathophysiology. Meibomian gland dysfunction is increasingly prevalent in older populations with contributory hormonal imbalances. The abnormal meibum in MGD has been documented to have an excess of cholesterol with a resultant disruption of the lipid layer of the tear film. This leads to tear film instability due to the inadequate trapping of the aqueous portion of the tear film with resultant evaporative dry eye. Significant morbidity may follow MGD with ocular surface inflammation disrupting both social and work function. Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the central face but can have ocular and systemic inflammatory associations. It is especially prevalent in North European populations and can have onset at any age, but commonly presents between thirty and fifty years of age. In ocular rosacea, MGD is a recognised manifestation as is dyslipidaemia. Ocular rosacea can predate cutaneous disease. As yet, there is no directly reported evidence of the efficacy of the early identification and treatment of ocular rosacea with associated dyslipidaemia and systemic inflammation. We posit that MGD in ocular rosacea sufferers may be a marker for dysregulated cholesterol synthesis and inflammation, and that statins maybe a potential therapy. This article introduces potential strategies to utilise ocular rosacea MGD as a possible marker for ophthalmologists, cardiologists, and primary healthcare physicians to treat rosacea-associated dyslipidaemia and systemic inflammation. This could aid in overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality control for rosacea sufferers, potentially at an earlier age, while also addressing their tear film de-stabilisation through cholesterol lowering and inflammation reduction.

Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease Among Individuals Scheduled for Cataract Surgery in a Norwegian Cataract Clinic

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in patients scheduled for cataract surgery in a Norwegian eye clinic.

Patients and Methods

218 patients scheduled for cataract surgery were examined for DED in one randomly selected eye and questioned regarding symptoms and risk factors. Patients were diagnosed with DED if they fulfilled the DEWS II criteria with symptom score >12/100 with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and the presence of any of the three signs: tear osmolarity >307 mOsm/L in either eye or a difference in osmolarity between the two eyes of >8 mOsm/L, corneal fluorescein staining (CSF) ≥ grade 2 and non-invasive tear film breakup time (NIKBUT) of <10 seconds. Additional tests were the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire, tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer 1, tear film thickness (TFT), corneal sensitivity and meibography (meiboscore). Dry eye test outcomes were correlated with risk factors for DED.

Results

The prevalence of DED was 55.5% according to the DEWS II criteria. The abnormal osmolarity percentage was 66.5, while 29.8% had shortened NIKBUT and 19.7% exhibited CFS ≥2. 57% had Schirmer 1 ≤ 10 mm/5 min, and 81.1% had a meiboscore of ≥1. 71.2% of subjects scored positive for DED symptoms using the OSDI questionnaire and 69.3% using SPEED. Logistic regression analysis showed that higher age correlated with a lower OSDI symptom score, reduced corneal sensitivity and increased meibomian gland atrophy. Female sex was associated with higher odds of having DED, abnormal NIKBUT and abnormal CFS. Ocular tests for DED did not correlate with OSDI symptom scores when assessed with Spearman`s rank analysis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of DED in an elderly Norwegian population scheduled for cataract surgery is high and associated with female sex. There was a lack of correlation between signs and symptoms of DED.

Association of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction with Oral Statin Use

This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association of oral statin use, dry eye disease (DED), and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). A total of 93 subjects were included and divided into two groups: statin users (n = 45) and nonstatin users (n = 47). Significant differences were observed in the total cholesterol (p = 0.013), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0.005), and meiboscore (p = 0.000) levels between the two groups. For stratified analysis, the statin group was divided into subgroups according to the type or dose of statin and total duration of statin use. However, there were no differences in clinical features between the subgroups. In multiple regression analysis, meiboscore was significantly associated with age (slope = 0.05, p = 0.00) and statin use (slope = −1.19, p = 0.00), with an R² of 0.44. Thus, older adults and participants who do not use statin appeared to have higher scores. In conclusion, although the mechanism is unclear, statins may exert a protective effect on the meibomian gland. Further lipidomic studies are required to determine the pharmacological effects of statins on the meibomian gland and other meibum components.