Cracking the Code: Which Ocular Symptoms Predict Dry Eye Signs? Insights From a Large International Sicca Registry - Report - MDSpire

Identifying Ocular Symptoms as Predictors of Dry Eye: Findings from a Comprehensive International Sicca Registry

  • By

  • Pragnya R. Donthineni

  • Chloe Shields

  • Rohit Muralidhar

  • Shreya Bhatt

  • Alan Baer

  • Robert Fox

  • Sara S. McCoy

  • Anat Galor

  • May 14, 2026

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Clinical Report: Identifying Ocular Symptoms as Predictors of Dry Eye

Overview

This study identifies ocular symptoms as predictors of dry eye disease (DED) signs, particularly ocular surface staining (OSS) and tear production (ST). It highlights the discordance between symptoms and clinical signs in patients with Sjögren disease (SjD).

Background

Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects a significant portion of the population, particularly those with autoimmune diseases like Sjögren disease. This study utilizes data from the Sicca registry to explore symptom-based predictors of DED.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Artificial tear use and blurred vision were stronger predictors of DED signs than pain symptoms.
  • Symptom-based clustering revealed distinct levels of symptom burden among patients.
  • Abnormal serologic test results were more frequent in the mild-moderate symptom cluster compared to the high symptom burden cluster.
  • Clusters predict distinct ocular and systemic Sjögren disease phenotypes.
  • Discordance between symptoms and signs is prevalent in DED and SjD populations.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider both ocular symptoms and clinical signs when diagnosing dry eye disease, particularly in patients with Sjögren disease.

Conclusion

The findings identify ocular symptoms as predictors of dry eye signs.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Optometric Management, 2017 -- Identifying Dry Eye
  2. Contact Lens Spectrum, 2014 -- Dry Eye Dx and Tx
  3. Contact Lens Spectrum, 2005 -- discovering dry eye
  4. TFOS DEWS III: Diagnostic Methodology - ScienceDirect
  5. Defining Discordance Between Signs and Symptoms in Dry Eye Disease: Insights From the DREAM Study - PubMed
  6. Contact Lens Spectrum — Discovering Dry Eye
  7. TFOS DEWS III: Diagnostic Methodology - ScienceDirect
  8. Defining Discordance Between Signs and Symptoms in Dry Eye Disease: Insights From the DRy Eye Assessment and Management (DREAM) Study - PubMed
  9. Perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution for dry eye disease: pooled analysis of two phase 3 clinical trials - PMC

Original Source(s)

Cracking the Code: Which Ocular Symptoms Predict Dry Eye Signs? Insights From a Large International Sicca Registry

  • by Pragnya R. Donthineni, Chloe Shields, Rohit Muralidhar, Shreya Bhatt, Alan Baer, Robert Fox, Sara S. McCoy, Anat Galor

  • May 14, 2026

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