Prevalence of dry eye disease symptoms and impact on quality-of-life among hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

This cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) symptoms, associated risk factors, and their impact on quality-of-life (QOL). Data were collected via an internet-based survey at a tertiary care hospital from February to June 2022. Participants completed the Thai version of the Dry Eye-related Quality of Life Score (DEQS-Th) to identify DED symptoms, and measures of general QOL and mental health were evaluated using the EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Thymometer questionnaires. Of the 1,250 participants (mean age of 39.9 years; 79% female), the prevalence of DED symptoms was 62.1% (95% CI 59.4-64.7%). The mean DEQS-Th score was significantly higher among those with DED (37.7 ± 14.6) compared to those without (8.0 ± 5.3). Multivariable analysis identified several factors significantly associated with DED symptoms, including female gender (p = 0.005), systemic atopy (p = 0.02), preexisting dry eye (p < 0.001), pinguecula or pterygium (p = 0.047), mobile phone use (p = 0.02), infrequent use of artificial tears (p < 0.001), stress (p < 0.001), and impaired QOL (p < 0.001). In conclusion, DED symptoms were highly prevalent among hospital staff during the pandemic, adversely affecting both QOL and mental health. Significant associated factors encompassed demographic, medical, behavioral, and psychological domains.