Abstract
Purpose :
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence rates of dry eye disease (DED) and associated risk factors in the Argentine population.
Methods :
A cross-section populational study was designed to evaluate dry eye symptoms and diagnosis and associated risk factors in Argentina. It was conducted during April 2022 through an anonymous volunteer electronic questionnaire. The inclusion criteria were: residing in Argentina, aged than 12 years-old. The prevalence of symptomatic DED was evaluated using the Women's Health Study (WHS) dry eye questionnaire. In addition, demographic data and a list of conditions possibly related to dry eye were collected. The main risk factors evaluated were classified as: a- Lifestyle: sleep <7hs/day, use of digital screens >6hs/day, smoking; b- History of diseases: thyroid, diabetes, rheumatological, c- History of elective treatments (radio or chemotherapy, antiallergic drugs, isotretinoin, antidepressants and/or oral contraceptive; d- Ophthalmic conditions: history of ocular surgery, glaucoma topical treatment, contact lens wear.
Results :
A total of 10,812 participants were included in the study, 8,525 women (78.8 %) and 2,287 men (21.2%), the mean age was 44.1 ±13.9 years-old (range 12-94). An overall prevalence of DED was 42.1% (4,552 out of 10,812), with a higher prevalence in women (84.5%; n=3,848 vs 15.5 % n=704 in men). The most significative risk factors were the use of digital screens for more than 6 hours per day was a very prevalent condition (54.3%) followed by sleeping less than 7 hours/d (41.6%). Figure 1 displays all risk factors.
Conclusions :
DED can be consider a prevalent ocular condition in Argentine population. The most relevant factors were female sex (84.5%) and lifestyle aspects related to the use of digital screens more than six hours a day and sleeping less than 7 hours a day (54.3% and 41.6% respectively).
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This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.