Dry eye symptoms in midlife women: A cross-sectional analysis of prevalence, risk factors, and quality-of-life outcomes

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the prevalence, associated factors, and quality-of-life impact of dry eye symptoms among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in Thailand.

Study Design

This cross-sectional study, conducted from September to December 2024, included 262 women aged 41–60 years attending a gynaecology and menopause clinic at Ramathibodi Hospital. Participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with moderate to severe symptoms.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the prevalence of dry eye symptoms. Secondary outcomes included symptom severity, quality-of-life scores, and occupational or clinical risk factors for moderate to severe symptoms.

Results

Dry eye symptoms were identified in 64.9 % of participants, with comparable rates in perimenopausal (61.7 %) and postmenopausal (68.2 %) women. No significant difference in symptom scores was observed between groups (p = 0.746). Computer-based work was independently associated with moderate to severe symptoms (adjusted odds ratio 1.81, 95 % CI 1.10–2.99). Women with more severe symptoms reported significantly poorer physical, psychological, and vasomotor quality-of-life scores.

Conclusions

Dry eye symptoms are highly prevalent among midlife Thai women and negatively affect quality of life, particularly in the physical, psychological, and vasomotor domains. Occupational screen exposure is a significant modifiable risk factor. Early screening and targeted management may help reduce the impact of symptoms during the menopausal transition.