Prevalence and risk factors of dry eye disease among adults in Saudi Arabia

Abstract: PURPOSE: Dry eye disease (DED) significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and career performance, being the most prevalent chronic ocular condition in ophthalmic clinics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of DED among adults in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 5768 adult participants across various demographics in Saudi Arabia was conducted. Data were collected on participants’ demographics, occupational status, smoking habits, and symptoms of DED. The prevalence of symptoms was evaluated, and diagnosed cases were identified to determine the overall impact of DED on this population. RESULTS: The study revealed that the majority of participants were middle-aged females with high educational levels, predominantly not working, and infrequently reporting smoking. More than half of the participants exhibited symptoms of DED but remained undiagnosed (59.8%), whereas approximately one-fourth were diagnosed with the condition (24.9%). The analysis identified significant risk factors associated with DED, including older age, Rheumatoid Arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, and seasonal variations, particularly in the summer. CONCLUSION: The current study highlights a concerning prevalence of DED among adults in Saudi Arabia, with a significant proportion of individuals being symptomatic yet undiagnosed. Key predictors of DED include older age, chronic health issues, and seasonal factors. There is an urgent need for health education initiatives aimed at raising awareness about DED and promoting healthier lifestyle choices to mitigate associated risk factors. We recommend providing routine DED screening in high-risk groups, workplace adjustments for digital screen users, and public health guidelines on eye strain prevention.