Associations between myopia magnitude and dry eye disease in children

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between myopia and dry eye disease (DED) in children. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 83 pediatric participants (166 eyes) aged 7–15 years was conducted. The participants were stratified into four groups on the basis of spherical equivalent (SE): the nonmyopia group (NMG, 38 eyes), the low-myopia group (LMG, 59 eyes), the moderate-myopia group (MMG, 52 eyes), and the high-myopia group (HMG, 17 eyes). Comprehensive ocular surface evaluation was performed using an ocular surface analyzer and noncontact partial coherence interferometry. The primary outcome measures included comparative analysis of tear film stability across groups, sex-based differences in ocular surface parameters, and correlation analysis between ocular surface metrics and myopia severity. Result: Significant differences in ocular surface parameters were observed among the study groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the NMG and LMG, the HMG markedly altered the tear film stability. Compared with their male counterparts, female participants in the HMG presented significantly shorter tear meniscus heights (TMHs), first noninvasive tear film break-up times (NIBUTs), and average tear film break-up times (P < 0.05). Correlations were identified between ocular surface parameters and myopia progression metrics. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate a significant association between myopia severity and DED in pediatric populations. High myopia was associated with compromised tear film stability and reduced tear secretion, with female participants exhibiting more pronounced ocular surface changes. The results of this study provide evidence-based guidance to better protect young myopic eyes from associated DED; however, further research is warranted to form clinical recommendations.