Which statement about aqueous-deficient dry eye disease symptoms is true?

Aqueous-deficient dry eye disease is characterized by an inadequate production of tears, leading to dryness and discomfort in the eyes. Among the various statements regarding this condition, the assertion that patients are more likely to be depressed is significant due to the impact of chronic eye discomfort on quality of life. Studies have shown that individuals suffering from persistent dry eye symptoms often experience emotional distress, including feelings of depression and anxiety. This connection may arise from the continuous discomfort, visual disturbances, and the limitations that dry eye symptoms can impose on everyday activities.

The relationship between chronic physical conditions and mental health is well established, and in the case of aqueous-deficient dry eye, the suffering caused by the disease can lead to significant emotional consequences. This highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of dry eye disease in patient care. Recognizing the potential for comorbid depression can enhance the overall treatment approach and improve patient outcomes.

In contrast, the other statements are not universally true. For example, the severity of dry eye symptoms does not always correlate with the underlying disease severity; symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Symptoms are also not necessarily worse upon waking for all patients, as some may experience more discomfort at different times of the day. Lastly,