Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that potentially shows systemic involvement. Evidence indicates an increased risk of dry eye in patients with psoriasis. However, the relationship between these two conditions is yet not clearly understood. 

A recent study investigated the association between psoriasis and dry eye disease, by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for studies examining their association from inception to December 13, 2020. The prevalence of dry eye disease in patients with psoriasis relative to controls was evaluated. The Schirmer I test score, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were also assessed. 

The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between dry eye disease and psoriasis. Also, the patients with psoriasis demonstrated a significantly lower Schirmer I test score, shorter TBUT, and higher OSDI, compared to controls. 

All this evidence supports an association between dry eye disease and psoriasis and also recommends ophthalmologic assessment for the early recognition and management of dry eye in patients with psoriasis.

Source- Wu PC, Ma SH, Huang YY, Chang JY, Chang YT, Dai YX. Psoriasis and Dry Eye Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dermatology 2022. doi: 10.1159/000522167