An observational study in Periodontitis and Dry Eye Disease (DED), sponsored by University of Sulaimani. Recruiting at 1 site in Iraq. Open to participants aged 30 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-14.
Sponsored by University of Sulaimani · Observational
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.
Periodontitis and dry eye disease are both multifactorial chronic inflammatory diseases that can affect the quality of life and are significantly recognized for their systemic associations. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease mainly induced by a dental biofilm and characterized by progressive destruction of the supporting structures surrounding the teeth, as well as being mediated by the host's immune response. Similarly, dry eye disease is the inflammation of the ocular surface characterized by tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, and ocular surface inflammation, resulting in discomfort and visual disturbance. Both diseases involve complex inflammatory pathways and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that may contribute to tissue damage locally and might exert systemic effects as well.
Studies suggest that periodontal health may affect extra-oral conditions through shared inflammatory mechanisms, yet the relationship between periodontitis and dry eye disease remains unknown or not sufficiently investigated. However, inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both diseases. These biomarkers play important roles in the host's immune regulation; as a result, they can be used for exploring the association between periodontitis and dry eye diseases.
This study is designed to investigate the association between periodontitis and dry eye disease through both performing clinical assessments and performing biochemical analysis. Both saliva and tear samples will be collected using non-invasive methods to avoid discomfort for the participants. Saliva will be collected using the drooling method, while tear samples will be collected using Schirmer strips. The collected samples will later be analyzed by the use of ELISA to evaluate the levels of the inflammatory biomarkers.
In addition to biomarker analysis, clinical evaluations will be performed to assess periodontal health and ocular surface condition using standardized diagnostic examinations. This integration can enhance the exploration of the association between the two diseases.
The significance of this study lies in its ability to investigate whether an association exists between periodontitis and dry eye disease. Identifying such an association could have important implications for interdisciplinary healthcare, making the collaboration between dental and ophthalmologic practitioners significant. Moreover, the investigations might participate in the development of novel diagnostic markers and management strategies targeting systemic inflammation. This research may also provide a foundation for future longitudinal and interventional studies exploring causal relationships and therapeutic outcomes.
1,664 studies on the registry are indexed under Periodontitis; 328 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 80 is below the median of 89 across 441 observational studies indexed under Periodontitis.
Browse Periodontitis studies →University of Sulaimani is the lead sponsor of 17 studies on the registry; 3 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
The study population includes adult participants collected from dental and ophthalmology hospitals. The population will include both healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with periodontal disease and/or dry eye disease. Participants will undergo specific periodontal and ocular health examinations to allow for analysis. Individuals will be categorized into groups, including healthy controls, those with periodontitis only, those with dry eye disease only, and those presenting with both diseases. These different populations will enable the evaluation of the associations between periodontal and ocular inflammatory conditions.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Including 20 individuals with no clinical signs of periodontitis or dry eye disease.
Including 20 individuals diagnosed with periodontitis only.
Including 20 individuals diagnosed with dry eye disease only.
Including 20 individuals diagnosed with both periodontitis and dry eye disease.
Probing pocket depth
Time frame: At baseline
Clinical periodontal parameters, clinical ocular parameters, and the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in saliva and tear samples.
Clinical periodontal parameters (clinical attachment loss, plaque index, and bleeding index); clinical ocular parameters (ocular surface disease index, tear break-up time, conjunctival and corneal staining, Schirmer test without anesthesia, and Meibomian gland examination); and the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in saliva and tear samples.
Time frame: At baseline
Plan to share: No
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
University of Sulaimani