Rev Bras Oftalmol.2026;85:e0089
Evaluation of COVID-19 severity and post-acute-COVID-19 sequelae of dry eye disease in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260089
ABSTRACT
Objective:
To evaluate the prevalence and severity of dry eye disease in patients with a history of COVID-19 infection.
Methods:
A total of 76 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 were included in the study. Dry eye disease was assessed using subjective and objective measures, including the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, tear break-up time, Schirmer test, and corneal staining.
Results:
This study included 76 patients with a mean age of 54.55 ± 10.61 years. The results revealed a high prevalence of dry eye disease in post-COVID-19 patients, with a significant proportion experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. Patients with a history of intensive care unit hospitalization and those who received oxygen therapy or non-invasive ventilation had a higher risk of developing dry eye disease.
Conclusions:
COVID-19 infection may be a risk factor for dry eye disease, particularly in patients with moderate to severe illness. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this association and to devise effective preventive and therapeutic interventions for dry eye disease in post-COVID-19 patients.