Korean J Fam Med.  2019 Jan;40(1):22-30. 10.4082/kjfm.17.0058.

Factors Associated with Dry Eye Symptoms in Elderly Koreans: The Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2012

• Kim KI
• Park YS
• Kim RH
• Kim JH

• KMID: 2431620
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.17.0058

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Dry eye disease is an aging-related ophthalmic disease that not only affects the daily activities but also causes deterioration in the quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with dry eye symptoms in elderly Koreans.
METHODS
We investigated 4,185 subjects (men=1,787 and women=2,398) aged ≥65 years from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regressions to identify the relationships between dry eye symptoms and other factors.
RESULTS
The prevalence of dry eye symptoms was 17.9%. After adjustment for confounding factors, dry eye symptoms were significantly associated with female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.806; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.410-2.313), a history of cataract (aOR, 1.683; 95% CI, 1.255-2.255), suicidal ideation (aOR, 1.414; 95% CI, 1.070-1.870), hypercholesterolemia (aOR, 1.289; 95% CI, 1.025-1.621), age ≥80 years (aOR, 0.538; 95% CI, 0.337-0.859), and sleep duration ≥9 h/d (aOR, 0.524; 95% CI, 0.330-0.834).
CONCLUSION
Among elderly Koreans, female sex, a history of cataract, suicidal ideation, and hypercholesterolemia may be the risk factors for dry eye symptoms, whereas sleep duration ≥9 h/d can be a protective factor against dry eye symptoms.

Keyword

Dry Eye Syndromes; Risk Factors; Aged; Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Cataract
Dry Eye Syndromes
Eye Diseases
Female
Humans
Hypercholesterolemia
Korea*
Logistic Models
Nutrition Surveys*
Odds Ratio
Prevalence
Protective Factors
Quality of Life
Risk Factors
Suicidal Ideation