Epidemiological Characteristics of Dry Eye Disease in Asian and Asian Female Populations: A Database-Driven Descriptive Study.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of dry eye disease (DED) in Asian populations and among females.

Methods: This study utilized the literature-derived database on DED risk factors, which includes data from 119 studies, and followed an evidence-based medicine retrieval strategy, searching globally for studies on risk factors for DED. Specifically, we focused on the Asian and Asian female populations. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the definitions and prevalence of DED as provided in the database.

Results: The study included a total of 139,556 participants, of which 74,258 were females. The overall prevalence of DED in Asians was found to be 23.9%, and it was observed to increase with age. Specifically, the prevalence was 16.2% in the group aged <30 years, and it increased to 26.7% in the group aged over 70 years. Among females, the prevalence of DED was higher at 28.1% compared to males at 20.1%. Furthermore, the prevalence of DED in females also increased with age, ranging from 39.9% in the group aged <40 years to 42.2% in the group aged over 60 years. The prevalence of DED between 2016 and 2022 was 35.3%, which indicated a significant increase of 14.6% compared to the period between 2008 and 2015. Notably, there were variations in the prevalence of DED across different regions and levels of development.

Conclusions: This study reveals a common occurrence of DED among Asians and women. The prevalence rates vary among different countries, regions, development levels, and sample sizes, and there is an observed upward trend with the increase in survey year and age.