Keio University · Medicine
Professor Masahiko Ayaki's research lab focuses on the intersection of ophthalmology, sleep medicine, and mental health, with a particular emphasis on the bidirectional relationships between ocular surface diseases—especially dry eye disease—and sleep and mood disorders. The lab investigates how visual discomfort, sleep quality, and psychological well-being are interconnected in patients with ocular surface disorders, while also exploring the physiological and behavioral impacts of blue light exposure and ophthalmic treatments. Key research directions include the role of melatonin regulation, the effects of preservative-free eye drops on ocular surface cells, and the potential benefits of non-pharmacological interventions such as blue-light filtering eyewear and lid heating therapy. The lab advocates for integrated, multidisciplinary care models, including consultation-liaison psychiatry, in managing complex ocular and systemic health conditions.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
The prevalence of sleep and mood disorders was significantly higher in patients with dry eye. The present results suggest consultation-liaison psychiatry services may be beneficial among eye disease patients.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate sleep quality in myopic children and adults. This cross sectional study surveyed 486 participants aged from 10 to 59 years with refractive errors using a questionnaire containing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Children (< 20 years) in the high myopia group exhibited the poorest PSQI scores (P < 0.01), while the adults showed no such correlations. Subscales of PSQI and HADS in children disclo
The cytotoxicity of ophthalmic solutions to HCEC, corneal epithelia and conjunctival epithelia decreased in the absence of preservative.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate sleep and mood disorders in patients with irritating ocular diseases. The study design was a cross-sectional/case-control study conducted in six eye clinics. Out of 715 outpatients diagnosed with irritating ocular surface diseases and initially enrolled, 301 patients with dry eye disease (DED) and 202 age-matched control participants with other ocular surface diseases were analyzed. The mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hospital Anxiety a
We investigated sleep quality and melatonin in 12 adults who wore blue-light shield or control eyewear 2 hours before sleep while using a self-luminous portable device, and assessed visual quality for the two eyewear types. Overnight melatonin secretion was significantly higher after using the blue-light shield (P < 0.05) than with the control eyewear. Sleep efficacy and sleep latency were significantly superior for wearers of the blue-light shield (P < 0.05 for both), and this group reported gr
Possible explanations for sleep disorders in DED may be depression, pain, and eye exposure at night. Reciprocal effects may be expected and consultation-liaison psychiatry is recommended for the management of sleep disorders in DED. Topical medication and lid heating also may be advantageous for sleep quality in DED.
In the last two decades, atopic dermatitis (AD) has been of increasing clinical significance in Japan. Eight-20% of patients with AD developed progressive cataracts (cataract-AD) and lens epithelial cells (LECs) were severely damaged. Lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) is a newly isolated survival factor. In the presence of LEDGF, LECs survive well and in the absence of LEDGF, they become highly susceptible to stress. We investigated (1) whether auto-antibody (auto-Ab) to LEDGF is pre
Cataract surgery effectively improves sleep quality and slow gait speed.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate sleep and mood disorders in women aged 30-69 with dry eye disease (DED). All subjects underwent corneal examinations, with 890 completing a questionnaire regarding symptoms of DED and 213 completing both the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. Subjects were then divided into three groups based on age (younger [30-45 years], perimenopausal [46-55 years], and older [56-69 years]), an
The aim of the present study was to evaluate sleep and mood disorders and related ocular parameters in glaucoma patients. We focused on visual fields and the retinal nerve fibre layer, because decreased circadian photoreception by damaged intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells is suspected in glaucoma. A cross-sectional study was performed on 140 subjects: 69 with glaucoma and 71 normal controls. Individuals with cataract, dry eye, or retinal pathology were excluded from the study.
Blue light is a part of the visible light spectrum in the wavelength range of 390–490 nm. In modern society, light-emitting diode lamps and computer displays deliver much more blue light to the cornea than ever before. The retinal phototoxicity of blue light has been extensively investigated because of concerns about macular degeneration.1 ,2 The effects of blue light on the health of the ocular surface are less clear.3 ,4 Like skin,5 the ocular surface is directly exposed to visible blue light
Our results demonstrated that the severity of DED is seasonal, which may explain the increase of short BUT-type DED cases observed in spring when air pollen counts are highest.
Sleep quality improved in patients with DED after topical treatment with or without the sleep service. Psychiatric treatment focusing on sleep disorders could be beneficial for patients with DED.
This study assessed the measurable features of proptosis in Japanese patients with DO and contributes to the understanding by correlating symptoms and signs of DO.
These results indicate that blue light injures ocular surface cells and the cells are protected from damage by a shade. We recommend blue light protection to maintain ocular health, especially in high-risk populations, such as people with dry eye, contact lens users, the malnourished and the elderly.
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