Research Documents How OSD Negatively Impacts Emotional, Psychological Well-being

While it’s known that ocular surface disease (OSD) affects multiple facets of daily living, authors of a recent study sought to capture its multifaceted impact on patients’ lives through the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Such questionnaires are validated for use in trials but also have a role to play in the clinic. The researchers explored the lived experience of adults with different types of OSD through in-depth interviews to identify gaps in existing PROMs and understand the individuals’ quality of life (QoL) impacts. The researchers identified 13 major quality of life themes, with emotional well-being as the most significant, showing that developing a comprehensive and technologically advanced PROM tailored to individuals with OSDs is necessary. The findings were reported earlier this week in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. These findings emphasize the broader social implications of ocular surface disease and the need for increased awareness and support systems to help affected individuals navigate social interactions more comfortably. This image from the study shows the quality-of-life themes identified. Orange circles represent themes and green circles represent sub-themes. Photo: Baral P, et al. Cont Lens Ant Eye. August 5, 2025. Click image to enlarge. A total of 62 participants (median age: 46, range 22-78, 74% female) were recruited from specialized dry eye clinics in Australia, the United Kingdom and online support groups. Diagnoses included meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), aqueous-deficient dry eye disease (DED), anterior blepharitis, neuropathic corneal pain, ocular surface involvement of autoimmune disease and contact lens discomfort (CLD). Thematic analysis of interviews was performed to identify key QoL themes.Overall, ocular and visual symptoms were common to all groups while general symptoms were more frequently reported by participants with ocular surface involvement of autoimmune conditions. Thyroid eye disease and CLD groups had specific concerns about their appearance contributing to reduced social interactions. DED, MGD, CLD and blepharitis patients frequently reported inconveniences related to daily care of eyes, frequent use of eye drops and impact on work efficiency.Individuals with severe dry eye and neuropathic corneal pain experienced greater impacts in economic, social and emotional domains. The most significant impact observed was on the emotional well-being, with participants describing feelings of annoyance, depression, frustration, reduced self-confidence, worry and anxiety related to their condition. Some participants with severe conditions had suicidal thoughts, while others indicated that engaging in social media support groups and self-advocacy efforts helped them cope with the psychological burden.Some participants reported withdrawal from social interactions—significantly affecting their personal relationships and daily engagements. This was further impacted by self-consciousness about their appearance, inability to maintain eye contact and challenges in explaining the severity of their condition to others.Many described notable difficulties in performing daily activities, driving and maintaining mobility, which aligns with the findings of some OSD-specific PROMs that incorporate the items related to activity limitations.“Having a PROM to comprehensively measure the impact on activities would help in addressing these challenges through better measures, targeted interventions and support systems to improve the ability of individuals in managing their condition while maintaining their independence,” the authors wrote in their paper on the work.Many individuals reported progressive worsening of their symptoms, with exacerbations linked to digital screen use, environmental factors and systemic health conditions. Additionally, the visible signs of OSDs—such as eye redness—contributed to self-consciousness and affected interpersonal interactions. Participants also voiced concerns about inconsistencies in diagnosis between optometrists and ophthalmologists.“These concerns prompted participants to trial multiple therapeutic approaches and consult with multiple healthcare providers, further compounding the economic burden of managing their condition,” the authors wrote in their paper.The economic burden of ocular surface disease extended beyond direct medical expenses, encompassing a wide range of financial challenges that affected their employment, opportunities available and productivity. Furthermore, discrepancies in insurance coverage for different treatment options increased financial difficulties, forcing some individuals to be dependent on their family members.“These findings reinforce the necessity for policy interventions aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and financial support for individuals with OSDs,” the researchers wrote.Many subjects expressed concerns about the chronic nature of OSD, characterized by persistent symptoms and lifelong treatment. Economic impact extended beyond direct medical expenses, affecting employment and productivity. Participants also described difficulties with daily activities, driving and mobility. Coping strategies included adjustments to their daily routine and environment.These findings lay the foundation for developing a comprehensive and technologically advanced PROM tailored to individuals with ocular surface disease, the authors concluded in the study. “Addressing these quality of life concerns through targeted interventions and policy updates will be crucial in enhancing patient care and optimizing disease management.”Click here for the journal source. Baral P, Kumaran SE, Stapleton F, et al. Understanding the quality-of-life impacts of ocular surface disease. Cont Lens Ant Eye. August 5, 2025. [Epub ahead of print.]  This article was developed by the editorial staff in conjunction with experts in the field. In the process, AI may have been among the editorial tools used to meet the goals of human editors, who approved all content.