AIM: To obtain the prevalence and risk factors of symptomatic dry eye disease(SDED)among college students in China.

METHODS:Population-based cross-sectional study.Students in Medical School of Lanzhou University were approached. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the prevalence of SDED and its risk factors. The diagnosis of SDED was based on reported symptoms and was established if the participants reported “often” or “all the time” once or more for 6-item questionnaire. Positive tests included a tear-film breakup time(TBUT)≤10s and a fluorescein staining score(FSS)≥1. Demographic information and possible factors that may contribute to SDED were analyzed in a step-wise multivariate logistic regression modelto assess risk factors of SDED.

RESULTS: There were 1139 participants(84.37% response rate)have completed the questionnaire,475 males and 664 females aged 16-26y. The prevalence of SDED was 18.70% \〖95% confidence interval(CI)=16.59-20.81\〗.A TBUT of ≤10s and a FSS≥1 were noted in 47.67%(95% CI=44.95-50.57)and 13.97%(95% CI=11.95-15.99)for all participants, respectively.The multivariate regression analysis revealed the following risk factors: daily reading time of ≥4h(OR=1.58,95% CI=1.15-2.18), daily computer use of≥4h(OR=1.52,95% CI=1.02-2.25), and constant eyeglasses wearing(OR=1.54,95% CI=1.08-2.13).The female gender, refractive surgery and contact lens(CLs)wearing were not risk factors for SDED in this analysis.

CONCLUSION:The prevalence for SDED is high in Chinese college students.The risk factors include daily reading time of≥4h,daily computer use of≥4h and constant eyeglasses wearing.