Assessment of mediterranean diet adherence and dietary quality in dry eye syndrome

Nutrition and nutritional status significantly impact ocular surface function. The Mediterranean diet's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest it may play a crucial role in mitigating the inflammatory damage associated with Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). This study aims to assess the nutritional status and Mediterranean diet adherence among individuals with DES and to explore its correlation with anthropometric measurements. The research included 41 adults attending the Eye Clinic at Kayseri City Hospital. Sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake, and anthropometric measurements of the participants were documented through face-to-face interviews by the researcher. Participants' daily energy and nutrient intake were calculated, and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS) was administered. Both eyes of the 41 participants, including 34 women and 7 men, were evaluated using dry eye tests performed by a physician. These tests included Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), Intraocular Pressure, Anterior and Posterior Segment Examination, Schirmer's Test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). The average age of the participants was 51.46±14.48 years. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) of the participants was 28.9±5.88 kg/m2, with 31.7% (n=13) classified as normal, 34.1% (n=14) as overweight, and 34.1% (n=14) as obese. The average MEDAS score was 6.98±1.62. No significant differences were found between participants with low and high MEDAS adherence in TBUT, Intraocular Pressure, Anterior and Posterior segment examinations, Schirmer's Test, and OSDI parameters (p>0.05). A negative and weak correlation was found between energy intake and intraocular pressure (p<0.05). A negative and moderate correlation was found between Schirmer test results and carbohydrate intake percentage (p<0.05), while a positive and weak statistically significant correlation was found with fat intake percentage (p<0.05). In conclusion, no significant changes were found between the Mediterranean diet adherence score and DES parameters. Although intervention studies are generally conducted in patients with DES, our research contributes to the literature as the first study evaluating the correlation between Mediterranean diet adherence and DES scores. Keywords: Dry Eye Syndrome, Mediterranean Diet, MEDAS, Diet Quality