To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for dry eye disease (DED) in young and middle-aged office employee in Xi’an.
This cross-sectional study of the prevalence of and risk factors for DED investigated 486 young and middle-aged Chinese office employee in Xi’an. DED symptoms and potential risk factors were assessed using the ocular surface disease index combined with a risk factors questionnaire, and tear function was evaluated using the tear film break-up time and Schirmer’s test. Possible risk factors for DED were estimated by binary Logistic regression analysis.
DED was diagnosed in 100 females and 96 males, giving a prevalence of 40.3% [95% confidence interval (CI)=36.0%-44.7%]. The multivariate binary Logistic regression model indicated that the possible risk factors for DED were being female (OR=1.592, 95%CI=1.034-2.451, =0.035), being aged ≥40y (OR=1.593, 95%CI=1.034-2.454, =0.035), using a VDT daily for >6h (OR=1.990, 95%CI=1.334-2.971, =0.001), the presence of central air conditioning (OR=1.548, 95%CI=1.053-2.276, =0.026), and self-reported dryness of the mouth and nose (OR=1.589, 95%CI=1.071-2.357, =0.021).
There is a high prevalence of clinically diagnosed DED in young and middle-aged video display terminal (VDT) users. Interventions against the modifiable risk factors should be taken to prevent the occurrence and development of DED in this population.

International Journal of Ophthalmology Press.

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