Abstract:

Objective  To analyze the prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES) and its risk factors in senior high school students in Shouguang City of Shandong Province, China. Methods  In this cross-sectional survey, 1902 senior high school students were selected by a random cluster sampling in July 2010 to complete a questionnaire about DES. Risk factors associated with DES were evaluated with a χ2  test and logistic regression analysis. Results  The prevalence of DES was 23.7% and varied with the grade (P<0.001). Inadequate refractive correction, frequent self-administered ophthalmic medications and poor sleep quality were major risk factors for DES. However, students in different grades had different risk factors: myopia, contact lens wear and inadequate refractive correction in senior one; inadequate refractive correction and frequent self-administered ophthalmic medications in senior two; and frequent self-administered ophthalmic medications, poor sleep quality and self-reported stress in senior three. Conclusion  Senior high school students have a high prevalence of DES with different risk factors in each grade. So, we should take preventive measures against risk factors of DES in each grade.

Key words: Dry eye syndrome, Cross-sectional studies, Senior high school students, Risk factors