The Coexistence of Dry Eye Disease in Migraine Individuals within the Saudi Population

Abstract Background: Migraine is a type of headache that affects a wide range of young individuals. Recent reports suggested that dry eye disease may coexist, but this remains unknown within the Saudi population. The current study aims to examine the coexistence of dry eye disease in individuals with migraine in a Saudi population. Materials and Methods: The status of dry eye disease was assessed in 37 individuals with a migraine diagnosis using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), along with tear break-up time and ocular surface staining. In addition, the frequency of the symptoms in the OSDI subdomain was compared. Results: About 60% of those with migraines had dry eye disease. Light sensitivity was the most frequently reported symptom ( P < 0.001, Friedman Test) compared to grittiness ( P = 0.015, Bonferroni correction) and poor vision ( P = 0.029, Bonferroni correction). No association was found between the OSDI score and the migraine disability assessment scale questionnaire (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.14, P = 0.39). In addition, there are no differences in dry eye disease severity across migraine severity levels ( P = 0.60, Kruskal–Wallis). Conclusion: Dry eye disease is prevalent among those with migraine, and light sensitivity is frequently reported. Dry eyes and light sensitivity should be considered in the management of migraine in the Saudi population.