AIM: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of dry eye(DE)among middle school students in Nantong.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1 939 middle school students in January 2021. The minimum sample size was calculated by cluster random sampling. A dry eye questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence and risk factors of DE in middle school students. DE was defined as often or all the time presence of one or more DE symptoms(i.e. “eye dryness” “grittiness” “burning sensation” “redness” “crusting of lashes” “eyelids getting stuck”). The risk factors associated with DE were evaluated by Logistics regression analysis.

RESULTS: The prevalence of DE was 19.55%. The most reported dry eye symptom was “eyelids getting stuck”, accounting for 60.95%. Female(OR: 1.287, 95%CI: 1.018-1.626, P=0.035), the daily time of electrical appliances use at near distance >2h(OR: 1.927, 95%CI: 1.260-2.947, P=0.002), the daily time of reading and writing after class >3h(OR: 1.588, 95%CI: 1.214-2.079, P=0.001), frequent use of eye drops(OR: 1.908, 95%CI: 1.359-2.680, P<0.001), use of systemic anti-allergic drugs(OR: 1.787, 95%CI: 1.220-2.618, P=0.003)and joint pain(OR: 1.688, 95%CI: 1.128-2.524, P=0.011)were independent risk factors for DE among middle school students. Sufficient sleep(>6-8h, OR: 0.627, 95%CI: 0.477-0.823, P=0.001; >8h, OR: 0.511, 95%CI: 0.283-0.922, P=0.026)was an independent protective factor for the disease.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DE among middle school students is high and should not be ignored. Preventive measures against risk factors may help to reduce the prevalence of DE and have a positive impact on the health of students.