Prevalence of and risk factors for symptomatic dry eye disease in Singapore

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and risk factors of symptomatic dry eye disease (SDED) in Singapore.

Methods: A cross-sectional dry eye survey was carried out using the McMonnies dry eye questionnaire. Members of the public were interviewed at the 46 (out of 62) randomly-selected mass rapid transit (MRT) stations and their vicinity. A total of 1,004 questionnaires were collected from participants aged between 15 and 83 years. Symptomatic dry eye disease (SDED) was defined as at least one of five self-reported symptoms that were reported as often or constantly. Non-dry eye (NDE) subjects were those with no related symptoms reported. Prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease in the studied population and confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Risk factors were also evaluated using logistic regression analysis at 95% CI.

Results: The prevalence for symptomatic dry eye disease was found to be 12.3 per cent with prevalence greater in females than males. Symptomatic dry eye disease was significantly associated with contact lens wear (odds ratio [OR] 2.96, 95% CI: 1.81 to 4.83), those having had previous treatment for dry eye (OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.33 to 3.29), those taking medication (OR 1.84, 95% CI: 0.99 to 3.44), those with unusual sensitivity of eyes (OR 3.04, 95% CI: 1.92 to 4.83), constant mucous membrane dryness (OR 4.11, 95% CI: 1.62 to 10.45) and irritation on waking (OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.34 to 4.22). Smoking was not found to be associated with symptomatic dry eye disease.

Conclusion: Singapore has a symptomatic dry eye disease prevalence of 12.3 per cent and was associated with contact lens wear, those who had previous treatment for dry eye, medication, those having unusual sensitivity of eyes, mucous membrane dryness and waking irritation. These new data will be of value to the eye-care community in Singapore and elsewhere.