¹Celine Chaaya, ¹Ghiwa Abou Jaoude, ¹Georges Maalouly

¹University of Saint Joseph

Purpose Statement: Introduction

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a multifaceted clinical condition characterized by various features, including ocular dryness (OD), which plays a substantial role in shaping the overall clinical presentation of the disease. The existence of ocular symptoms, frequently relieved through the application of artificial tears, has detrimental effects on the quality of life for affected individuals. Furthermore, recent research has acknowledged the advantages of the Mediterranean diet (MD) for its positive impact on various autoimmune diseases. This study aims to investigate the correlation between adherence to a MD and the severity of ocular symptoms in individuals with SS.

Method(s): This is a cross-sectional observational study of previously diagnosed SS patients recruited from the histopathological and immunological archives of a university hospital, Hotel-Dieu de France. The population of this study comprised a total of 114 patients, all of whom actively participated by completing a telephone questionnaire.

Result(s): OD was documented in 80.7% of the patients. The median Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score for the population was 23 (Q1-Q3: 10 – 40), and the median Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score for the population was 8 (Q1-Q3: 5 – 11). A strong negative correlation was observed between the MEDAS score and the ODSI score (Spearman’s Coefficient ρ = -0.73, p < 0.01). Additionally, a significant negative relationship was identified between a diet rich in fatty acids and the OSDI score (ρ= -0.67, p < 0.01).

Conclusion(s): The correlation between OD and adherence to a MD implies that individuals following a nutritious MD, particularly one high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, may experience improvements in their ocular symptoms. This finding substantiates the initial hypothesis of the study, which underscores the significance of employing natural nutritional interventions for managing ocular symptoms. This approach appears beneficial even in cases where the disease has progressed significantly, serving as a complementary strategy alongside conventional treatments.