Dry eye disease: A Canadian quality of life and productivity loss survey

Aim: To capture the direct and indirect cost estimates of dry eye disease (DED), stratified by disease severity, in patients from Canada and to understand the impact of DED on quality of life (QoL) in this group. Methods: A prospective, multi-centre, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at six optometry and ophthalmology sites across Canada. Eligible patients completed a 20-minute survey on demography, general health, disease severity, QoL, and direct and indirect costs. Results: A total of 151 patients participated in the study and 146 were included in the analysis. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 49.8 (11.4) years and most patients were female (89.7%). DED was considered moderate or severe by 19.2% and 69.2% of patients, respectively. Sjogren9s syndrome was reported by 8.2% of patients. Total mean annual costs of DED were $24,331 (Canadian dollars [CAD]) per patient and increased with disease severity. Mean (SD) indirect costs for mild, moderate, and severe disease were $5,961 ($6,275), $16,525 ($11,607), and $25,485 ($22,879), respectively. Mean (SD) direct costs were $958 ($1,216), $1,303 ($1,574), and $2,766 ($7,161), respectively. QoL scores were lowest in patients with Sjogren9s syndrome and those with severe DED. Conclusions: This study provides important insights into the negative impact of DED in a Canadian setting. Patients with severe DED reported higher direct and indirect costs and lower QoL compared with those with mild or moderate disease. Increased costs and poorer QoL were also evident for patients with DED plus Sjogren9s syndrome versus DED alone.