Association Between Periodontitis and Dry Eye Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study is aiming at exploring the association between periodontitis and dry eye disease, which are both chronic inflammatory diseases that might have common pathogenic mechanisms. It is a cross-sectional study being conducted on four specific groups: a healthy group, periodontitis only, dry eye disease only, and a group with both periodontitis and dry eye disease. For all individuals, both clinical periodontal and ophthalmic parameters and assessments are being recorded. The study also includes collection of both saliva and tear samples from all individuals for later analysis of inflammatory biomarkers. Saliva samples will be collected using the drooling method, while tear samples will be collected using Schirmer strips. The levels of specific inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), will be investigated using ELISA. The study aims to investigate the association between periodontal and ocular surface inflammation as well as investigate the common inflammatory pathways for both periodontitis and dry eye disease. These investigations might contribute to a better understanding of the systemic correlation that links both periodontal and ocular health.